Eleven Bay Area schools are among 29 statewide in California that were named National Blue Ribbon Schools on Friday, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
There were 297 schools nationwide that received the honor, which recognizes overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
The Bay Area schools that were honored are: Ralston Intermediate School in Belmont, Burlingame Intermediate School in Burlingame, Eleanor Murray Fallon School and Harold William Kolb School in Dublin, Orinda Intermediate School in Orinda, and Thomas S. Hart Middle School in Pleasanton.
As well as Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco and Coyote Creek Elementary School, Gale Ranch Middle School, Iron Horse Middle School and Windemere Ranch Middle School in San Ramon.
"Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs," said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement. "These schools show what it is possible to make a lasting, positive difference in students' lives."
The federal department receives nominations for the awards from top education officials in every state and territory in the country, and schools receiving the awards will have a National Blue Ribbon School flag at their entrance or on a flagpole.
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