PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Seven Pittsburgh-area schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education on Monday.

The 13 Pennsylvania schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools included Connoquenessing Elementary School in the Butler Area, Dorseyville Middle School in the Fox Chapel Area, Economy Elementary School in the Ambridge Area, Mercer Area High School, Quaker Valley Middle School, Saltsburg Elementary School in River Valley and Oakview Elementary School in Lakeview.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, recognition is based on “a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.” Schools will be officially recognized during an awards ceremony in November in Washington, DC.

Among the 356 winners were 316 public schools and 40 non-public schools.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of the students and teachers at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools raise the bar for our nation’s students and serve as a model of effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities.”