Boise School District Celebrates 32 National Merit Semifinalists

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, ID -- 09/09/2026 -- Boise School District is once again celebrating outstanding academic achievement. Thirty-two District students have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists for 2027.

This accomplishment is remarkable not only for its size but also for its proportion. Our 32 semifinalists represent 37% of Idaho’s total 86 semifinalists statewide, even though Boise School District students account for only about 7% of Idaho’s public school enrollment (based on the latest state enrollment figures from Fall 2025).

The 32 semifinalists include 17 students from Boise High School, one from Borah High School and 14 from Timberline High School. They are among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide selected for the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and all they have accomplished,” said Boise School District Superintendent Wendy Johnson. “This recognition reflects their hard work and academic excellence, as well as the encouragement and support they have received from their families, teachers and school communities. We look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the future.”

Congratulations to the following 32 outstanding Boise School District seniors named 2027 National Merit Semifinalists:

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. More than 1.2 million juniors from about 20,000 high schools entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Semifinalists may continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. About 95% are expected to advance to Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will earn a National Merit Scholarship and the Merit Scholar title.

This outstanding showing reflects Boise School District’s commitment to providing a high-quality, student-centered education. The accomplishments of these semifinalists are a source of pride for their families, teachers, schools and the entire Boise community.

Boise School District is a nationally recognized public school system serving approximately 21,650 students across 33 elementary schools, eight junior high schools and six senior high schools, including Boise Online Secondary School.

The District prepares students for success in college, career and life through rigorous academics and specialized opportunities, including free full-day kindergarten, Pre-K, Montessori, Dual Language, Advanced Placement, Career Technical Education, Boise Online School, the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center, and Dennis Technical Education Center. Students graduate with college credits, industry certifications, scholarships and real-world skills that prepare them to strengthen Idaho’s workforce and contribute beyond our state.

Learn more about how Boise School District is Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow at www.boiseschools.org.

Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...