Homeschooled Seniors Earn National Merit Recognition
National Homeschool News
Homeschooled seniors around the country are earning top academic honors this fall. Two of them were recently recognized in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
In Missouri, 17-year-old Livia Bross of Palmyra was named a National Merit Semifinalist. She is homeschooled and takes several classes at Palmyra High School. She is one of more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide, a group that makes up less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors (Hannibal Courier-Post).
Livia prepared with lots of study and practice tests. She also stays busy with Science Olympiad, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, and Scouting America. She hopes to study biology or engineering in college.
In New York, AbbeyRose Goldman of Huntington was named a Commended Student. She is among about 34,000 students honored for their scores on the PSAT/NMSQT (Patch).
AbbeyRose has been homeschooled since fifth grade. Her family uses a classical approach. She has earned 36 college credits through dual enrollment. She also debates, acts in local theater, and tutors younger students in writing, math, and Latin.
“Homeschooling has instilled in me a true passion for learning,” she told Patch.
If you have a teen, the PSAT/NMSQT is usually taken in the fall of junior year. Homeschoolers can often test at a local high school, so contact one early.
Sources:
- Deborah Gertz Husar, “Palmyra teen named National Merit semifinalist,” Hannibal Courier-Post, September 18, 2026
- Kepherd Daniel, “Huntington Homeschooled Teen Earns National Merit Honor,” Patch, October 14, 2026