At the National School Spirit Championships (NSSC), there’s more than one way to reach the top. With cheer, dance, and band programs working together, the highest-finishing schools stood out by delivering excellence across multiple spirit programs. Here are the top schools that rose to the top together:

Junior High Champions: Thompson Middle School

Thompson Middle School claimed the Junior High title by competing across multiple championship opportunities and delivering where it mattered most.

• NHSCC – 235 points (Small Junior High Game Day)
• NSBC- 0 points
• NDTC – 250 points (Junior High Kick)
• NSSC –  240 points (Junior High Spirit Program Game Day CH/DA)

Total: 725 points

While they did not earn points in band, strong performances across cheer, dance, and spirit program events propelled Thompson Middle School to the top—highlighting the importance of consistency across multiple events. Watch their Junior High Spirit Program Game Day performance here:

High School Champions: Thompson High School 

Thompson High School of Alabaster, Alabama rose to the top as the Overall High School Champion—competing in all four championship buckets, delivering excellence across the board, and earning a perfect 250 in two categories.

• NHSCC – 240 points (Small Varsity DI Non-Tumbling Game Day)
• NDTC – 245 points (Varsity Small DI Kick)
• NSBC – 250 points (Pep Band Varsity)
• NSSC – 250 points (Varsity Spirit Program Game Day Live CH/DA/BD)

Total: 985 points

Consistency across all disciplines was the difference for Thompson. In a tight race, their all-around performances created separation at the top. Take a look at their Spirit Program Game Day Live performance highlighting their cheer, band & dance programs:

High School 2nd Place: Lost Alamitos High School

Los Alamitos High School brought confidence and consistency to the floor all weekend long, delivering prominent performances in all four championships. Take a look at their Spirit Program Game Day Live performance:

• NHSCC – 195 points (Large Varsity DII)
• NDTC – 245 points (Small Varsity Jazz & Pom DI)
• NSBC – 235 points
• NSSC – 245 points (Large Varsity Spirit Program Game Day CH/DA/BA)

Total: 920 points

High School 3rd Place: Lake Creek High School

Lake Creek High School from Montgomery, Texas rounded out the top three by participating in all four championship buckets, much like the eventual champions. Lake Creek's commitment to competing across every discipline secured them a top-three finish.

• NHSCC – 225 points (Large Varsity Non-Tumbling DII Game Day)
• NDTC – 125 points (Varsity Intermediate DII Hip Hop)
• NSBC – 245 points (Pep Band Varsity)
• NSSC – 240 points (Varsity Spirit Program Game Day Live CH/DA/BD)

Total: 835 points

Congratulations!

The 2026 NSSC results delivered a clear message: There’s more than one path to the top. At the national level, every spirit program matters — and every point counts. Congratulations to all the programs who took the nationals floor at NSSC DI!

2026 Results: National School Spirit Championships DI

Results for the 2026 National School Spirit Championships DI can be found here. Check out how the top 10 teams did at this year's championship!