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Dozens of students across the D.C. region have reached the finalist stage of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition, including 241 students from Fairfax County Public Schools.
Virginia’s largest school system announced Friday that its finalists attend 16 schools. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology accounts for 105 of them.
Superintendent Michelle Reid called the results a significant measure of the district’s progress and commitment to academic excellence, while noting that they represent only one data point.
About 70% of Fairfax County juniors take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, Reid said. Statewide, roughly half of Virginia’s juniors take the exam. Some school districts provide the test to juniors at no charge.
Fairfax County has introduced nearly 40 courses during the past two years. Reid said the school system wants to ensure those efforts translate into stronger student achievement, and she described the finalist results as evidence that its work is benefiting students.
Prince William County reported six 2026 National Merit Scholarship finalists. Another six finalists at Thomas Jefferson previously attended schools in Prince William County.
Other local school systems were still awaiting complete finalist information. Loudoun County reported 69 semifinalists for 2026 and expects finalist details later this month.
During the 2024-25 school year, 18 Loudoun students received National Merit Scholarships. Five earned college-sponsored awards, 11 received $2,500 National Merit Scholarships and two won corporate-sponsored scholarships.
D.C. Public Schools also expects to receive a list of its finalists this month. Montgomery County Public Schools reported more than 100 semifinalists but was still waiting for finalist results. Prince George’s County Public Schools had not released semifinalist or finalist figures.
Founded in 1955, the National Merit program begins with the PSAT/NMSQT. Finalist selection also considers academic performance, community service, leadership positions and awards.
Finalists nationwide will compete for nearly 7,000 scholarships worth almost $26 million combined. Available awards include $2,500 National Merit Scholarships as well as college- and corporate-sponsored financial awards.
Reid said the recognition can also strengthen applications for local scholarships and internships. She added that assessment results may help students identify senior-year courses in fields where they show strong potential.