Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) leads the state in students for National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.
This year, 43 high school students are currently semifinalists for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program at MMSD, more than any other school district in Wisconsin. The program, which began in 1995, recognizes academically talented students and provides scholarships for thousands out of 1.3 million eligible nationwide. Students this round are selected based on their performance on the 2024 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“These results highlight the incredible talent, perseverance and dedication of our students, as well as those who support them,” said Joe Gothard, MMSD superintendent, in a statement. “Achievements like this remind us of the potential within every student and reinforce our commitment to providing rigorous, high-quality learning opportunities for them.”
Of all 1.3 million eligible, 16,000 students are named semifinalists. Of that group, 15,000 will receive the title of National Merit Scholar Finalist. From that slightly narrowed down 15,000, 6,390 will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners.
West High School has the highest number of students across the state, with 28 semifinalists. East High School has four and Vel Phillips Memorial has 11.
Students are expected to complete another round of application materials soon and hear back on finalist selection early in 2026.
