The priority deadline for the Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) magnet and choice schools is Friday, Nov. 5.

That’s right, the priority deadline for the Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) magnet and choice schools is Friday, Nov. 5. Schedule an appointment with a Navigator today to help you and your family determine if a magnet school could be a good fit for your family, and, if so, how to navigate the application process. This Q&A is a good next step to begin to get familiar with the basics before your meeting. 

What are magnet schools?

Magnet schools follow a particular theme, like the arts, STEM, or Montessori, and require students to submit an application and be accepted prior to enrollment. This process starts in the fall of the year prior to enrollment and every school has slightly different admissions criteria. All magnet schools in St. Louis City are part of SLPS. 

Some magnet schools, including the gifted magnet schools, have a highly competitive application process and rely on a lottery to place students who have applied. Students must be tested by the SLPS Office of Gifted Education to qualify to apply to a gifted school. The magnet application opened Oct. 1.

View all the magnet/choice schools on our website here.

What is the lottery and how does it work?

Because the number of applicants is frequently greater than the number of available spots in a particular grade and/or school, magnet school applications are entered into a lottery to place students. Two lotteries are scheduled to place applicants who submit their materials within two time periods, or pools. 

When you submit an application, it will be assigned to a priority category. The magnet pool prioritizes things like continuity (students currently enrolled in Magnet schools who are graduating to the next school level), applicants who have a sibling already enrolled at the requested school, and if the student lives within walking distance of the school. A computer system draws randomly from each category in order of priority.

SLPS magnet and choice schools will plan to draw applicants from those who have submitted complete applications by the first pool date, Nov. 5. If they fill up their available spots from that pool, they will no longer accept applicants. If they have spots remaining after that first pool, they will draw from the applicant pool again on their second pool date on January 7.

Applications submitted after the lottery pool deadlines will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis as spots remain available. 

What do you need to apply?

You must complete an application on the SLPS magnet schools application website. The application should take about 20-35 minutes to complete. The documents you may need could include: birth certificate, proof of residency within the City of St. Louis, immunization records, and a previous report card (for 1st – 10th grade applicants). If you are applying to a gifted school, you also need to complete a Gifted Education form and provide the results of a gifted assessment. The gifted assessment must be done through the SLPS Gifted Office.

What if you don’t make the deadline?

If you miss the first deadline, we recommend that you reach out directly to schools you’re interested in to see if they have any slots left. If they do, complete the application in time for the second pool deadline on Jan. 7.

How can Navigate help?

Make an appointment with a Navigator to help determine your educational priorities and find your best-fit school choices. Navigators can also help you understand the application process. Use the Navigate website to find key information and resources related to your educational needs. Everything Navigate offers is completely free of charge and designed to help you find the best fit school for your family.