The Advanced Academics program is designed to provide rigorous and enriching educational opportunities for students who demonstrate high academic potential, motivation, or achievement. The program aims to challenge students through differentiated instruction, accelerated coursework, and opportunities for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. By offering pathways such as Gifted and Talented services, Pre-AP, AP, IB, Dual Credit, and Honors courses, the program prepares students for post-secondary success and lifelong learning. Advanced Academics fosters a culture of excellence, equity, and engagement, ensuring that all students have access to the support and resources needed to reach their full academic potential.

In Fall 2024, we recognized three seniors who were selected as National Merit Semifinalists, and we are proud to share that the same group of three has advanced to become National Merit Scholar Finalists. Each scholar now stands to earn coveted National Merit Scholarships, institutional awards, prestigious corporate scholarships, and financial aid packages. This is a tremendous honor for Lamar CISD and a testament to the rigor of our college and career readiness programs and opportunities.

All finalists were first dubbed semifinalists earlier this school year. After that, the students and a high school official submitted a detailed scholarship application providing information about academic records, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards. The student must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Foster HS

Michael Huckman

George Ranch HS

Parker Blacklock

Lamar Consolidated HS

Chase Cheng

To provide opportunities for all students to demonstrate college readiness and earn college credit through an array of courses, assessments, programs, services, and supports.