The Lakewood High School Merit Scholars program provides a university pathway for gifted, talented, and motivated students. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that challenges students to think critically, to express ideas clearly and to develop precision in academic research and quantitative analysis. Merit Scholars must be committed to academic achievement in an intensive and competitive environment.

Entering freshman must be ready to begin Algebra 1-2 or higher mathematics. Students should score proficient or advanced proficient on their 7th grade standardized tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Satisfactory attendance and good citizenship are expected. Qualified students will be expected to maintain a strong grade point average. 

Features Benefits:

Merit Scholars receive full advantages of the educational and extracurricular opportunities available at Lakewood High School.

Parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators actively support these outstanding students throughout high school as they strive to discover their academic potential and to maximize their learning experience.

In addition, Merit Scholars are guaranteed priority in Advanced Placement classes.

Further, Lakewood High School has an agreement with Long Beach City College that permits Merit Scholars to enroll in LBCC Honors classes while still in high school.

Upon completion of the Merit Scholars program, students qualify for admission to internationally acclaimed universities. Students will also be awarded a Lakewood High School Merit Scholar diploma.


All Merit Scholar students who belong to the graduating class of 2008 will wear a white chord designating their Merit Scholar Smaller Learning Community (SLC).

Merit Scholars’ Honors / Distinction:

For the graduating class of 2008, Merit Scholar students who meet the following criteria will be awarded a Merit Scholar medallion:

• 3.3 (unweighted) Academic Grade Point Average
• Complete at least 3 Advanced Placement (AP) classes
• Complete Pre-Calculus
• Schedule must reflect 6 classes during Senior year; 5 of those classes must meet the UC/CSU A-G designation


Program Specifics:

Merit Scholars will complete a minimum of 19 UC/CSU approved A-G courses. Specifically, Merit Scholars will take:

A. Social Studies…3 years
B. English…4 years
C. Mathematics (through Pre Calculus)…3 years
D. Laboratory Science …3 years
E. Language other than English…2 years
F. Visual and Performing Arts…1 year
G. College Preparatory Electives…2 years
Physical Education (or equivalent)… 2 years

Due to the competition for admission into institutions of higher education, Merit Scholars are advised and encouraged to challenge themselves with four years of mathematics, three years of laboratory science, and three years of language other than English. This reflects the recommendations of both the University of California and the California State University systems.