MCA has open enrollment throughout the year, except March 1 through the end of the school year, for any student whose primary residence is in North Carolina.
MCA gives enrollment preference to siblings of students enrolled the previous year, employee’s children, and siblings of students who completed the highest grade offered by MCA and were enrolled at least four years (legacy preference). MCA defines siblings as biological siblings, step-siblings, half-siblings, and children residing in a family foster home.
To enroll in kindergarten a child must be five years of age on or before August 31 of that school year. The Academy receives applications for the rising kindergarten on or after August 1, one school year in advance of desired enrollment. If the total number of applications received exceeds the established capacity of the Academy or grade level for the upcoming year by 3:30pm on February 20 (the lottery eligibility deadline), then a fair, impartial, public lottery will be held the following day, February 21 (or the first business day thereafter). If multiple birth siblings are applying for admission, MCA will enter one surname into the lottery to represent all of the multiple birth siblings. If that surname is drawn, then all multiple birth siblings are admitted. If a lottery is held, those students not accepted by the lottery will be placed on a priority waiting list in the order drawn. Siblings of currently enrolled students receive admission priority and typically do not participate in the lottery, but must submit an application prior to the lottery deadline. After February 20, additional students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the capacity is realized.
MCA accepts applications throughout the year for first grade and all older grades. In accordance with state regulations, MCA gives preference to siblings “of currently enrolled students who were admitted in a previous year.” For MCA, “siblings” includes any of the following who reside in the same household: biological siblings, half siblings, step-siblings, and foster children. Should a waiting list be necessary, applicants are placed in order of application date.