Portrait of a Scholar

  • The Lubbock Independent School District Scholars recognition is a College and Career readiness pathway that distinguishes high-achieving kindergarten through high school students. This acknowledgement assists students in perceiving their full academic potential and career aspirations.

    Lubbock ISD provides students with suggested resources and enrichment opportunities for educational development based on academic performance. These resources let students explore academic possibilities, receive tips on planning for high school and college, and tap into resources to assist in achieving their educational and professional goals.


    The Lubbock ISD Scholars Program is divided into four academic levels: Primary, Intermediate, Junior, and Varsity.

Lubbock ISD Scholars Criteria

  • Primary Scholars
    Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

    Primary scholars are exhibiting high academic achievement through
    identification using the following criteria:

    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the March 2023 ISIP in Istation

    Intermediate Scholars
    3rd Grade—5th Grade

    Intermediate scholars are a select group of academically talented students who are identified by meeting one of the following criteria:

    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the March 2023 ISIP in Istation
    • Masters grade level expectation on one or more STAAR assessments during the spring 2022 administration

    Junior Scholars
    6th Grade—8th Grade

    Junior scholars are students with strong intellectual abilities identified by one of the following criteria:

    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the 2023 March ISIP in Istation
    • Masters grade level expectation on one or more STAAR assessments during the 2022 spring administration
    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the PSAT 8/9 during the 2022-2023 school year

    Varsity Scholars
    9th Grade—12th Grade

    Varsity scholars are distinguished scholars who are recognized by one of the following criteria:

    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the PSAT NMSQT during the 2022-2023 school year
    • Masters grade level expectation on the STAAR end-of-course exam in one of the following areas: English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, or U.S. History during the 2022 spring administration
    • Identified National Industry Certifications and licensures based on Federal Guidelines
    • Earn a qualifying score of 3 or higher for AP exams during the 2022 administration, 4 or higher for IB exams during the 2022 administration, or at least three dual credit college hours
    • A score at or above the 95th percentile on the SAT/ACT during the 2022-2023 school year
    • National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) qualifying score for recognition in the 2022-2023 school year as:
         ˃ National Merit Semi-Finalist/Finalist
         ˃ Commended Scholar
         ˃ National Hispanic Recognition Program