At many high schools, naming a single National Merit Finalist is headline-worthy.

This year at BASIS Independent Schools, it’s 62.

Out of 234 seniors in the Class of 2026, more than one in four students (26%) earned National Merit Finalist distinction — the highest number in our network’s history and a level of achievement rarely seen at this scale.

Academic Excellence, By Design

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who score among the top performers in the nation on the PSAT/NMSQT. Advancing to Finalist status requires exceptional academic performance, rigorous coursework, and sustained excellence.

• 62 National Merit Finalists
• 65 Semifinalists
• 92 Commended Students
• Over 67% of seniors earned national academic recognition

These outcomes reflect a deliberately structured academic program built around subject mastery, early acceleration, and intellectual independence.

Recognition Across Campuses

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

• 38 Finalists
• 40 Semifinalists
• 51 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Fremont

• 13 Finalists
• 13 Semifinalists
• 16 Commended Students

BASIS Independent McLean

• 8 Finalists
• 9 Semifinalists
• 15 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Brooklyn

• 3 Finalists
• 3 Semifinalists
• 6 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Manhattan

• 4 Commended Students

Across five campuses and three states, students continue to demonstrate that high-level academic distinction can be both consistent and scalable.

“We are incredibly proud of the graduating Class of 2026. These acceptances are a result of years of sustained academic commitment from our students, as well as incredible contributions to their schools and communities. Congratulations to them!” says Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “Consistently excellent and impressive results like these speak to the strength of our curriculum and philosophy across all BASIS Independent School campuses.”

A Clear Upward Trajectory

This year marks a 41% increase in National Merit Finalists over last year — and the largest cohort in network history.

When excellence compounds year after year, it signals something deeper than a strong class. It reflects a durable academic culture.

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 prepares for selective college admissions this fall, these distinctions serve as both recognition and runway.

We celebrate our National Merit Finalists, Semifinalists, and Commended Students for their remarkable achievements — and the educators and families who support them.

Excellence, when intentional, becomes tradition.

Discover what’s possible at BASIS Independent Schools.

BASIS Independent Schools is a premier network of PreK-12 private schools with locations in some of the most bustling and dynamic metropolitan areas in the country, including California, New York, Virginia, and Washington State.