How Cobb County magnet admissions actually works
The seven programs, what each one is known for, and an honest look at whether magnet is the right fit. Written by three students who went through it.
Choosing the right magnet for your student
Cobb County runs six high school magnet programs plus the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy. They are specialised programs inside larger high schools, not separate magnet-only schools, and they are genuinely different from each other. Applying to the one that fits what your student actually wants to do matters more than applying to the one with the biggest reputation.
These are the three we know best.
Wheeler High School
Center for Advanced Studies in Science, Mathematics and Technology
The most advanced STEM course selection in the district. Wheeler is known for its unusually large catalogue of AP and post-AP courses, plus robotics, aerospace engineering, biotechnology, organic chemistry and computer programming. It was the first program in Georgia certified in both STEM and STEAM.
Best for a student who is already running out of math and science to take.
Campbell High School
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The most comprehensive academic program of the seven. Rigorous and deliberately well rounded, with real strength in writing, critical thinking, research, world languages and service. Students can finish with the internationally recognised IB Diploma.
Best for a student who is strong across every subject rather than pointed at one.
Kennesaw Mountain High School
Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology
Broad STEM with unusual range. Extensive laboratory work, engineering, computer science and astronomy, including an on-campus observatory, four years of research and a professional internship.
Best for a student who wants STEM but does not want to specialise this early.
The other four programs
North Cobb High School
School for International Studies
Global studies and liberal arts. Suits a student drawn to international relations, politics, cultures, languages, travel and leadership.
South Cobb High School
Academy of Research and Medical Sciences
Medicine, biotechnology and scientific research. On-site medical lab, multiyear research, an original final project and healthcare internship opportunities.
Pebblebrook High School
Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts
Conservatory-style training in acting, dance, musical theatre, vocal music and technical theatre. Admission includes an audition.
Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy
Hands-on career and technical pathways across maker industries, emerging technologies, community services and healthcare, with college and industry partners.
The short version
- Most advanced STEM course selection: Wheeler
- Most comprehensive academic program: Campbell IB
- STEM with astronomy, engineering and room to stay broad: Kennesaw Mountain
- Medicine and original scientific research: South Cobb
- Languages, global affairs and international travel: North Cobb
- Professional performing arts training: Pebblebrook
- Practical career and technical preparation: Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy
Admission is competitive at all of them. The academic programs generally weigh grades, teacher recommendations, test results, writing, attendance and discipline records. Pebblebrook also evaluates an audition. Cobb provides arterial magnet transportation.
Everything on this page should be checked against the district’s own page before you rely on it. Application details and information night dates live there.
All seven Cobb County magnet programs
We can help with an application to any of them, not only the three we attended.
Wheeler
Campbell
Kennesaw Mountain
North Cobb
South Cobb
Pebblebrook
Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy
Is magnet right for your student, honestly
It tends to be a good fit for a student who:
- Already chooses the harder class when it is offered
- Has something they genuinely care about, not just good grades
- Can handle being average in a room where they used to be the top
It tends to be a hard fit for a student who:
- Is already at capacity with their current workload
- Is applying mainly because their friends are applying
- Would have to give up something that matters to them to make the schedule work
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