American Heritage Schools celebrates 16 straight years as Florida’s leading institution for National Merit Scholar semifinalists

Fort Lauderdale / Boca Raton, Florida – For the 16th year in a row, American Heritage Schools has once again set the standard for academic excellence in Florida, earning the top position in the state for the highest number of National Merit® Scholar Semifinalists. The achievement reinforces the school’s long-standing reputation as one of the nation’s leading college preparatory institutions and a powerhouse of academic talent.

This year, a total of 87 seniors from the Class of 2026 earned the distinction of National Merit® Scholar Semifinalist—with 57 students from the Broward Campus and 30 from the Palm Beach Campus. In addition, 92 more seniors were recognized as National Commended Scholars, underscoring the school’s deep and diverse pool of high-achieving students.

The Broward Campus continues to shine on the national stage, ranked as the No. 1 school in Florida and No. 2 private school in the U.S. for the highest number of National Merit Semifinalists. Meanwhile, the Palm Beach Campus holds impressive standings as the No. 1 school in Palm Beach County, No. 2 in Florida, and No. 7 private school in the nation.

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For American Heritage Schools, this milestone represents more than just statistics—it’s a reflection of a culture built on academic rigor, supportive faculty, and a commitment to nurturing future leaders.

“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.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the country, recognizes the top-performing high school seniors based on their PSAT/NMSQT® scores. Out of all semifinalists across Florida’s public and private schools, students from American Heritage represent 9% of the total, meaning nearly one in seven students from the Class of 2026 has earned the title of semifinalist—a remarkable achievement by any standard.

Beyond the honor itself, National Merit recognition opens doors to millions of dollars in scholarship opportunities and admission advantages at top universities. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, leading institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Vanderbilt, and the University of Chicago consistently enroll the highest numbers of National Merit Scholars each year.

“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 resident of Delray Beach.

Another student, Ramon Diaz from the Broward Campus, credited the school’s academic rigor for his success. “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,” Diaz said. “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.”

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The recognition also highlights the consistency of American Heritage’s excellence. For 12 consecutive years, the school has ranked as either the No. 1 or No. 2 private school in the nation for the number of National Merit Semifinalists—a record that reflects both the talent of its students and the dedication of its faculty.

Academic excellence at American Heritage Schools extends well beyond test scores and awards. The school is known for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, where 95% of students pass their AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. This far surpasses the state average of 69% and the global average of 73%, positioning American Heritage among the most successful college-preparatory schools in the country.

Now celebrating 61 years of academic distinction, American Heritage continues to focus on building a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, leadership, and character development. Its two campuses—located in Broward County and Palm Beach County—serve as educational hubs for some of the brightest young minds in Florida.

Each year, the school’s achievements reinforce its commitment to excellence and to helping students reach their fullest potential, both in academics and beyond. The consistent success of its students in the National Merit Scholarship Program is not just a source of pride, but a clear signal of the school’s dedication to preparing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders.

As Dr. Laurie noted, the school’s strength lies not only in its curriculum but also in its culture of motivation and mentorship. “Our students’ achievements remind us why education matters—because when young people are challenged, inspired, and supported, they can achieve truly extraordinary things,” he said.

With this year’s record-setting class of semifinalists, American Heritage Schools once again stands at the forefront of academic excellence—not only in Florida but across the entire nation.

More information about the school’s achievements and the National Merit program can be found at www.ahschool.com/nationalmerit.