Five Minnesota schools named Blue Ribbon schools

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded five Minnesota schools with the prestigious Blue Ribbon recognition.

The national honor is given to the highest performing schools for their efforts in closing the achievement gap.

Seven Minnesota schools received recognition for their work last year.

The five Minnesota schools who made the cut this year are: Parker Elementary School in the Elk River Area School District, Friendship Academy of Fine Arts, Birchview Elementary School in the Wayzata Public School District, DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science, and St. Anthony Village Senior High in the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District.

"We're so proud of the Minnesota schools receiving recognition on a national stage," Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Department of Education commissioner, said in a statement. "Minnesotans across our state should celebrate the incredible work going on in our schools by our students and teachers."

Minnesota school officials will accept their awards on behalf of their schools at a ceremony taking place in Washington, D.C. in November. More than 270 public and 50 private schools will be recognized at the two-day event.