American Heritage Schools, which celebrates 61 years of fostering academic excellence and shaping future leaders this school year, recently announced that 87 seniors (57 from the Broward Campus and 30 from the Palm Beach Campus) from the Class of 2026 were named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists.
Additionally, 92 more seniors were honored with the distinction of National Commended Scholar, further highlighting the deep pool of talent and academic potential at the school.
American Heritage’s Broward Campus is ranked as the No. 1 school in Florida and the No. 2 private school in the U.S. for the highest number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. The Palm Beach Campus is the No. 1 school in Palm Beach County, the No. 2 school in Florida and the No. 7 private school with the highest number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national academic competition and the most prestigious award a senior can receive. The combined students from both campuses comprise nine percent of all semifinalists throughout Florida’s public and private high schools. One in seven students from American Heritage’s Class of 2026 is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.
This marks the 16th consecutive year that American Heritage has had the highest number of National Merit Semifinalists in Florida. For 12 consecutive years, American Heritage has been the No. 1 or No. 2 private school in the nation with the highest number of National Merit Semifinalists.
“Year after year, our students continue to raise the bar of academic excellence. Their success in the National Merit program is a reflection of their hard work, the dedication of our teachers, and a school environment that challenges and inspires,” said Dr. Douglas Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “We are proud to see them recognized among the very best in the nation.”
Beyond the prospect of securing millions of dollars in potential scholarships, these exceptional students are presented with a wealth of new opportunities for their collegiate journeys, instilling a profound sense of confidence in their prospects. According to the National Merit Scholarship organization, prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, the University of Chicago and Vanderbilt have consistently embraced and enrolled the highest number of National Merit Scholars.
“To be a part of the National Merit group is honestly amazing, and I think it’s just a testament to the incredible opportunities, resources and support we have here at American Heritage,” said Daniela Staton, a senior at the Palm Beach Campus.
American Heritage Schools also recently announced that 95 percent of its students passed the Advanced Placement (AP) exams with a score of 3 or higher, compared to 69 percent in Florida and 73 percent globally. This accomplishment solidifies American Heritage as a leading institution for college preparation nationwide.
Learn more at www.ahschool.com/nationalmerit.
