FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, ID -- 09/15/2025 -- The Boise School District is once again celebrating outstanding academic achievement. Twenty-one of our students have been named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists for 2026, the most of any school district in Idaho.

This accomplishment is remarkable not only for its size but also for its proportion. Our 21 semifinalists represent 24% of Idaho’s total 87 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 2024).

“These results highlight the excellence of our students and the dedication of our teachers, families, and community who support them,” said Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “We are incredibly proud of these semifinalists and what they represent for the future of education in our state.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors the top academic performers nationwide, recognizing students whose PSAT/NMSQT scores place them among the highest-achieving students in the country. Semifinalists now move forward in the competition, with the opportunity to earn finalist status and compete for prestigious college scholarships.

The strong showing from Boise School District reflects the district’s commitment to providing a high-quality, student-centered education. By leading the state in the number of semifinalists, our schools demonstrate that excellence in education benefits not just students, but the entire Boise community. 

Boise School District (BSD) is a high-performing, nationally recognized public school system consisting of 33 elementary schools, 8 junior high schools, and 6 senior high schools, including Boise Online Secondary School, serving approximately 22,500 students.

Dedicated to creating tomorrow’s leaders, our highly educated and passionate staff provide a high-quality education that prepares each student for success in college, career, and life. We offer a student-focused learning model with a variety of specialized programs, including free Full-Day Kindergarten, Pre-K, Montessori, Dual Language, Boise Online School (Boise Online Elementary School and Boise Online Secondary School), Full-Day and Highly Gifted elementary programs, the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center, Dennis Technical Center, and the state’s leading Advanced Placement program.

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