Application Process
Central Academy of Technology & Arts 2026-2027 Application and Lottery Information
Important Dates
- The Application Window will be from February 2-February 27, 2026. Apply using Scribbles- https://ucpsncc.scriborder.com/
- March 23, 2026 - Special Program Schools parents notified of seat offer.
- March 27, 2026 - Deadline to accept seat offer.
Our CATA Crawl events for rising 9th graders will be:
- Tuesday, February 17 from 6:30 -8:00 - (Parkwood, East Union, Marvin Ridge, Sun Valley, Monroe)
- Thursday, February 19 from 6:30 -8:00 - (Cuthbertson, Weddington, Piedmont, Porter Ridge)
There will be a separate presentation about IB at both CATA Crawls
Please contact Tammy Tweed with any questions, 704.296.3088 or tammy.tweed@ucps.k12.nc.us
CATA Requirements
- Course Grades-Students must have a cumulative average of 75% amongst core classes in the 7th grade and S1 of 8th grade. Students must not have failed any core courses in the 7th grade and S1 in the 8th grade. For students applying to the Pre-Engineering Academy, you must have a Math grade of 80% or higher in the 7th grade and S1 of 8th grade. For International Baccalaureate, students must have an 80% cumulative average across core classes in the 7th grade and S1 in the 8th grade. Students must not have failed any core courses in the 7th grade and S1 in the 8th grade.
- Discipline-Students may not have any long-term suspensions in the 7th grade or 8th grade.
- Performing Arts Academies-Students applying to Dance, Theatre, or Music Production and Recording Arts must complete an audition or assessment in addition to their application.
On Saturday, January 17, the theatre/dance programs will hold an audition workshop from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. If you'd like to register for the workshop, please use the link below
Theatre and Dance Audition Workshop
CATA Performing Arts Information
CATA Performing Arts Website
Performing Arts Social Media Accounts:
- CATA Performing Arts Instagram: @catabackstage
- CATA Band Instagram: @catabandprogram
- CATA Chorus Instagram: @cata_chorus
- CATA Costumes Instagram: @c.a.t.a.costumes
- CATA Dance Instagram: @c.a.t.a.dance
- CATA Music Production Recording Arts (MPRA) Instagram: @c.a.t.a.mpra
- CATA Technical Theatre Instagram: @c.a.t.a.techies
- CATA Theatre Instagram: @c.a.t.a.theatre
*Grades and discipline will be reviewed again at the end of the 8th grade year. Any student who no longer meets the entrance criteria will have their acceptance rescinded.