Island Montessori Charter School (IMCS) is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-8. Enrollment is open to North Carolina residents, and admission is determined by lottery if applications exceed available spaces. Once admitted, students are guaranteed enrollment through 8th grade.
 

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: February 6th, 4 PM

• Lottery: February 25th, 6 PM at the Charter School
   

Prospective Parent Education Meetings

Learn more, ask questions, and pick up an application at these in-person sessions:

• Monday, January 13th – 6 PM

• Saturday, January 25th – 10 AM

• Wednesday, January 29th – 6:30 PM
   

Charter School Admission FAQs​

Is IMCS a public school?
Yes, IMCS is a public charter school funded by the state of North Carolina and private donations.

 

Are students required to take NC End-of-Grade (EOG) tests?
Yes.

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How do I apply?
Submit a completed application for each child by the deadline. Applications are available at information sessions and the school front desk.

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Does attending Island Montessori Preschool guarantee admission to the Charter School?
No. Preschool students must apply and enter the lottery if demand exceeds available spots.

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Does the timing of my application affect my chances?
No. All applications received by the deadline are treated equally. Late applications are added to the waitlist in the order received.

 

Who is eligible?

• Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 31.

• All students must be North Carolina residents.

• A birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of residency are required.

• IMCS does not discriminate based on any protected category.

 

How does the lottery work?

• Held at IMCS (6339 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC).

• Names are drawn randomly until all spots are filled. Remaining applicants are placed on a waitlist in the order drawn.

• If a grade is full, names will be drawn directly for the waitlist.

• The lottery is open to the public.

How will I be notified of results?
Applicants will receive a phone call with their lottery results.

If my child is waitlisted, do they retain their spot for next year?
No. Families must reapply and enter the next year’s lottery.