American Heritage Schools - No. 1 School in Florida for the Highest Number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists
- Durée & Company
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
The prestigious American Heritage Schools, which celebrates 61 years of fostering academic excellence and shaping future leaders this school year, is proud to announce that 87 seniors (57 from the Broward Campus; 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 Schools, 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 9% of all semifinalists throughout Florida's public and private high schools. One in seven students from American Heritage Schools in the Class of 2026 is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.
This marks the 16th consecutive year that American Heritage Schools have had the highest number of National Merit Semifinalists in Florida. For 12 consecutive years, American Heritage Schools 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 esteemed 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 and a Delray Beach resident.
“American Heritage teachers have very challenging tests and the curriculum is very intense, but they do a very good job in preparing you for those tests,” said Ramon Diaz, a senior at the Broward campus and a Miami Lakes resident. “I'd like to share with other students that anything is possible. If you work hard, if you put the right amount of hours into it, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
American Heritage Schools is also pleased to announce that 95% of the students passed the AP (Advanced Placement) exams with a score of 3 or higher, compared to 69% in Florida and 73% globally. This accomplishment solidifies American Heritage Schools as a leading institution for college preparation nationwide.
For more information about American Heritage Schools, visit its website at www.ahschool.com. Broward Campus: (954) 472-0022 ext. 3021 or email admissions.broward@ahschool.com.
Palm Beach Campus: (561) 495-7272 ext. 219 or email admissions.palmbeach@ahschool.com.