Seniors Earn Record-Breaking $6 Million in Merit Scholarships
Winston-Salem, NC (May 14, 2025) – Salem Academy, a premier all-girls day and boarding high school for grades 9–12, is proud to announce a historic achievement by its Class of 2025. Graduating seniors collectively earned $6,034,284 in merit-based scholarships from colleges and universities across the country to attend college next Fall. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the students’ academic excellence, leadership, and dedication, as well as the strong reputation Salem Academy holds among top institutions of higher education nationwide.
“This impressive amount speaks to more than just academic achievement—it reflects who our students are,” Salem Academy Head of School Kris Porazzi Sorrells said. At Salem Academy, we’re intentional about helping students grow not just as scholars, but as leaders, creators, and compassionate young women. Through internships, service, and the opportunities to explore their passions, our students become well-rounded individuals that colleges are excited to welcome.”
College acceptances spanned a wide range of esteemed institutions across the country, further underscoring the national recognition of Salem Academy’s exceptional academic program and student potential. Notable acceptances include colleges and universities such as Boston University, Brown University, Connecticut College, Davidson College, Furman University, Elon University, North Carolina State University, Rhodes College, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of the South (Sewanee), Swarthmore College, Trinity College in Dublin, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and Williams College. Academy seniors are attending 18 colleges and universities in 10 different states and two countries including Ireland and the Netherlands.
Other notable statistics include seniors receiving a total of 78 merit awards with 22 students being accepted to 82 colleges and universities based on 118 accepted applications. 22 students completed a total of 234 applications to 131 colleges.
“Each senior in the Class of 2025 distinguished herself through academic excellence and through significant contributions to the Salem Academy community,” said Salem Academy and College President Summer McGee. This is reflected in the scholarships they have received. The fact that, on average, Salem Academy seniors received more than $280,000 per student in college merit scholarships this year is a real testament to the incredible value of a Salem Academy education.”
Salem Academy is the only all-girls boarding and day private high school located on a college campus with a STEAM focus in the United States and is ranked by Niche as the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina, the No. 1 Best College Preparatory School and the No. 1 STEM School in Forsyth County and the Greensboro metro area. In its 2025 Best Schools listing, Niche ranked Salem Academy among the top 10% of all-girls schools in the nation and the #3 all-girls school in the Southeast.
By offering small class sizes in a focused learning environment and with its historic mission, Salem Academy is recognized for its prestigious reputation welcoming diverse students from around the nation and the globe. The school’s distinctive STEAM curriculum, including arts as a critical component, ensures academic excellence and supports students’ overall health and wellbeing.
Visit salemacademy.com for more information or to schedule a visit.
About Salem Academy
Salem Academy is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States exclusive to girls grades 9 -12. Educating girls since 1772, Salem Academy fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. Nationally recognized for success with a distinctive STEAM focus, NICHE ranked Salem Academy as the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina and as the No. 1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County.
News Media Contact
Meagan Coughlin, APR
meagan.coughlin@salem.edu