Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) is proud to offer three Special Purpose Schools to students and families which are as unique as they are innovative in design. Special Purpose Schools have a lottery enrollment process, and students wishing to attend a Special Purpose School must complete a lottery application.

You can review the full lottery guidelines by clicking on WCPS Administrative Regulation 4150-R6 Guidelines for Special Purpose Schools. (NOTE: These administrative guidelines can be updated by the Superintendent at any time.)

TIMELINE

December 2025—WSE/WSTA, WEMCHS Lottery Applications live 

February 13, 2026—All Lottery applications DUE by 4:00pm 

March 20-25, 2026—Notifications begin to parents/students of lottery results

March 27, 2026—Student names selected in the lottery process return the “Notice of Intent Form” to their School Counselors (@ students’ current schools) to confirm their lottery seat.

ALTERNATE POOL

The alternate pool is for those students not currently in the 5th grade who have an interest in attending Wayne School of Engineering and/or Wayne School of Technical Arts and want the opportunity to be considered should a space become available in their applicable grade level. There is not a set point in time for notification; rather, a student/family will only be notified if and when a space becomes available. 

LOTTERY APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Current WCPS Students: Students complete the online lottery application. No additional documentation is required to be submitted.

Note: If you are new to WCPS and have any additional academic information from a previous school, you may submit that academic information (such as academic information that demonstrates the student is on or approaching grade level proficiency as measured by EOG/EOC exams, nationally normed test, EVAAS, and/or the student's grades).

Non-WCPS Students: Any student who is not currently enrolled in a WCPS school---such as charter (Wayne Prep, Wayne STEM, Dillard Academy), private, homeschool student---must complete the online lottery application plus submit the following documentation: 

1. Required: Copy of Fall 2025 Report Card 

2. Required: Copy of recent reading and math scores from a state or nationally normed test 

3. Required: Copy of Fall 2025 attendance information 

4. Required: Copy of discipline information

Note: If not reflected in any of the above required items, students may submit current academic information that demonstrates the student is on or approaching grade level proficiency (as measured by EOG/EOC exams, nationally normed test, EVAAS, and/or the student's grades).

Non-WCPS students must submit the above documentation by 4 PM on February 13, 2026, in one of the following ways:

1. Email to lottery@wcps.org

2. Physically drop off to the reception desk at WCPS Central Services, located at 2001 E Royall Ave, Goldsboro

3. Mail to -  Wayne County Public Schools

       ATTN: Jamie Livengood, Student & Family Support Coordinator 

     PO Drawer 1797

        Goldsboro, NC 27533

APPLY TO BE A PART OF THESE LOTTERIES!

WEMCHS WSE/WSTA Alternate Pool

Wayne Early Middle College High School is a WCPS high school located on the campus of Wayne Community College. Students have the opportunity to complete their North Carolina high school graduation requirements and a two-year Associate Degree or two years of college transfer courses in a 4-5 year period. Students are dually enrolled in high school and college courses and do not pay for tuition or purchase college textbooks. WEMCHS offers a small learning community where students enjoy personalized instruction. Students complete a lottery application during their 8th grade year to attend WEMCHS for grades 9-12. The goal at WEMCHS is to prepare students to be college-ready, work-ready, and life-ready upon graduation from high school. High school athletics are not offered at WEMCHS, and students are not allowed to participate in athletics at other schools.

Students are academically able to handle the rigorous curriculum. WEMCHS accepts students from across the county. The target population is 72 students per grade level with an emphasis on first generation college students.

Benefits to being a WEMCHS Student: 

• Dual enrollment with Wayne Community College

• Personalized Education Plans

• Honors level courses

• Character & Leadership Development

• College Preparation

• Access to Community College Library and resources

• High School diploma and college degree

• Participation in 1:1 Laptop Initiative for all students

Visit the Wayne Early/Middle College High School website by clicking on WEMCHS Website. 

Wayne School of Engineering opened its doors in the fall of 2007 as a redesigned innovative high school with a focus in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  WSE has been able to provide students from every part of Wayne County a rigorous educational experience and opportunity to obtain college credit through Wayne Community College.

Wayne School of Engineering is an academically challenging school that provides the nurturing environment necessary for student growth and success. The school offers a unique educational experience, where students will be exposed to a curriculum which is designed to build problem solving, higher order thinking and teamwork. Middle school athletics are offered at WSE. As well, WSE is paired with Goldsboro High School for high school athletics

The Wayne School of Engineering student is looking to advance him/herself through a rigorous curriculum that places an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students complete a lottery application during their 5th grade year to attend WSE for grades 6-12.

Visit the Wayne School of Engineering website by clicking on WSE Website.

Wayne School of Technical Arts (WSTA) is located on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Students complete a lottery application during their 5th grade year to attend WSTA for grades 6-12. WSTA offers a STEM-themed education, providing students the opportunity to earn the AP Capstone Diploma Endorsement and/or industry credentials in a technical arts field of study. Middle school athletics are not offered at WSTA. High school athletics are offered through a pairing with Eastern Wayne High School.

The core academic program at WSTA is designed to meet NC Career and College Ready requirements, including math, science, social studies, English, and world languages. Access to resources on base at SJAFB, and  Wayne Community College, will provide opportunities to earn articulated credits, college transfer credits, and industry credentials.

Visit the Wayne School of Technical Arts website by clicking on WSTA Website.