The semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program were announced on Sept. 10 — about 16,000 high school students nationwide, representing less than 1% of U.S. seniors.

From the graduating class of 2026, they qualified based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT. About 95 percent are expected to attain finalist standing on the strength of an application detailing academic performance, school and community activities, and employment.

About half the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, to be announced in the spring.

Below are the semifinalists from California, listed alphabetically by city (in bold) and high school.

Also: The Class of 2026 semifinalist list for Bay Area schools

AGOURA HILLS

AGOURA H. S.

ALAMEDA

ALAMEDA H. S.

ENCINAL H. S.

ST. JOSEPH – N

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