Abstract: With the implementation of the Education Development Master Plan (EDMP) 2006-2010, aimed at providing quality education for all children and producing quality human capital for the nation, autonomy through a school based management system known as the Cluster School of Excellence (CSE) merit status was introduced in the Malaysian education system. The concern for high school students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Science or Arts courses and non-academic performance was of paramount concern to all stakeholders (students, parents, educators and policy makers). For students and parents, this implied excellence in the students’ performance and participation in both academic and non-academic programs. For educators and policy makers, the attainment of such merit is indicated by the schools’ active participation in academic and co-curricular excellence at state, national and international competitions. Limited literature is available on the concerns and challenges faced by the stakeholders, i.e., students in the pursuit of excellence in both academic and co-curricular programs. This study seeks to address, the said gap on the students’ needs and concern in selected cluster schools of excellence in Malaysia. For the purpose of this study, focus group interviews with Form Four High School students (i.e., 16 year olds) from two selected schools were conducted to understand the programs, practices, challenges faced and the way forward to attain such recognition. Written answers were collected from the said students. The data findings indicate the importance of active and supportive participation of school administrative, policy makers and community members; funding for improvement on existing infrastructure; balanced academic and non-academic curriculum; and a state-of-art technological facility as key issues voiced by these students. Students of the 21st century voice the need for harmonious, conducive and open educational environment as the way forward in attaining educational excellence both in academic and non-curricular activities.