US Department of Education awards Blue Ribbon honors to 8 Minnesota schools

Thursday, the U.S Department of Education announced that eight Minnesota schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The honor is based on a school’s academic performance or its progress in closing the achievement gap.

The Minnesota schools include Centennial Elementary School in Circle Pines, Grey Cloud Elementary School in Cottage Grove, Highland Elementary School in Apple Valley, Houston Elementary School in Houston, Jefferson Elementary School in Mankato, Northside Elementary School in St. James, Richmond Elementary School in Richmond and Sunset Hill Elementary School in Plymouth.

Up to 420 schools can be nominated each year. This year, the U.S. Department of Education is recognizing 317 public and 50 non-public schools.