Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is pleased to announce the launch of Parchment, a new online platform designed to streamline the Transfer, Reassignment and Lottery processes for families. This innovative system represents a significant advancement in our commitment to delivering a more efficient, transparent and user-friendly experience.

Families will be notified of School Choice Lottery results on Jan. 6 via email from Parchment. Please ensure your account is active and your contact information is up to date. Note: If you applied for a lottery seat for the 2026–27 school year, you already have a Parchment account. 

What is Parchment?

Parchment is a secure, web-based platform that modernizes how families submit and track transfer, reassignment and lottery requests. Key benefits include:

• Ease of Access: Submit applications from any device, anywhere - no need to visit an office.
• Real-Time Tracking: Follow your application’s progress throughout the review process.
• Timely Notifications: Receive updates and decisions directly through the platform.
• Centralized Communication: All documents and messages are securely stored in one location.

How to Access the Platform

Families can begin using Parchment now by visiting: https://nccms.scriborder.com/

What This Means for Families

Using Parchment will:

• Eliminate paper-based submissions and manual updates.
• Increase transparency and convenience in the reassignment and lottery processes.
• Improve processing efficiency and reduce turnaround times for decisions.

Next Steps

• All new transfer, reassignment and lottery applications must be submitted through Parchment.
• Step-by-step instructions and support resources will be available on the CMS Student Placement website. 
• Visit the CMS and Choice websites for forthcoming details about the lottery process and additional updates.

The transition to Parchment marks an important step in enhancing our services. While there may be some initial challenges, we're committed to working through them quickly and effectively. Parchment will help us streamline processes and better serve CMS students and families. 

 

2026-27 School Choice - Lottery Results FAQ

• How can I view my student’s lottery results?
  • You can view your lottery results on your Parchment Family Dashboard.
  • You can access it here https://nccms.scriborder.com/
• Why was I offered seats for multiple choices?
  • You can receive a seat offer for multiple programs because each program lottery is independent of each other. For example, if you applied for three programs, you may receive two seat offers and be waitlisted for the third.
• Why was I waitlisted for multiple choices?
  • The new digital platform has allowed for you to apply for multiple programs. Each lottery selection is independent of each other. If you do not receive a seat offer you then are waitlisted for any potential seat availability. 
• How can our waitlist number change?
  • Your waitlist number will change when seat offers are rejected, thus opening up a new seat. 
• How long will the waitlist stay open?
  • The waitlist will stay open throughout the school year, until all seats are filled. 
• If I accept an offer will that remove my student from any waitlists they are on for their other choices? 
  • No, accepting an offered seat will not remove you from the waitlist of other options.
• When offered a seat, how long do we have to accept it?
  • You have 10 days from the date offered to accept a seat. No response will result in expiring your seat offer at the end of the 10 days. 
• How do I accept a seat offer when I have multiple offers?
  • If your student has received multiple offers, you can accept your second-choice offer by first declining your first-choice offer. Below are the steps to help you through the process.
    • Multiple Offers - How to Accept.pdf
•  If I am offered multiple seats and accept one offer, will that remove my other active offers?
  • Yes, you can only accept a seat at one school.
• I applied for my child to attend a Choice Program that my other child currently attends but they were waitlisted. Shouldn’t they have sibling guarantee?
  • Yes. The sibling guarantee ensures that a sibling living in the same household and applying to the same program as a currently enrolled sibling will receive a seat. Students that applied as a sibling into the same program at the same school have now been offered a seat into that program. 
  • Sibling guarantee applications have been offered and parents will need to accept the seat offering. 
• Do I qualify to attend programs outside of my transportation zone?
  • Yes. However, the student is not entitled to CMS Transportation. 
  • Policy S-APSL
• If my child has a Program Choice seat, do I have to reapply every year?
  • No. Once your child has a seat in a program, the student is able to remain at that school throughout the terminal grade. As long as the student remains in the district and meets the program requirements. 
• If I applied for a Choice Program that my child already attends and was offered a seat or waitlisted, what is the next step?
  • No next steps are needed. Your child remains in their current program. As a reminder, once you are a student in that program no application is needed.
  • You will notice your Parent Dashboard will be updated and you will receive an email showing that your child’s application was removed because your student already has a seat at that program. 
• Does receiving a seat offer in a Program Choice guarantee my student’s placement at the selected school?
  • No. All seat offers are contingent upon the student meeting any entry requirements specific to the program. This message is included in every seat offer email.
    • Please note this seat is contingent upon the successful completion and/or validation of any applicable entry requirements needed at Program Name. The school will reach out to you directly with any next steps if required.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Student Placement team at 980-343-5335, email at schoolchoice@cms.k12.nc.us or message through Let’s Talk!

Thank you for your support and collaboration!