Eight Minnesota schools have been recognized at the federal level as National Blue Ribbon Schools for their work in closing the achievement gap among student groups.

The recipients of the U.S. Department of Education's 2020 Blue Ribbons were announced on Thursday, and includes four Twin Cities schools and four in greater Minnesota.

They are: 

• Centennial Elementary School, Centennial Public School District
• Grey Cloud Elementary School, South Washington County Schools
• Highland Elementary School, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District
• Houston Elementary School, Houston Public School District
• James Northside Elementary School, St. James Public Schools
• Jefferson Elementary School, Mankato Public School District
• Richmond Elementary School, ROCORI Public School District
• Sunset Hill Elementary, Wayzata Public School District

“Now more than ever it is imperative that we focus on maintaining high-quality teaching and learning environments for our students,” Minnesota Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud to recognize of Minnesota’s eight Blue Ribbon school awardees, and the educators and school staff for all they do to make create environments where our students can thrive.”

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

The honor is based on a school’s academic performance or its progress in closing the achievement gap. This year, 317 public and 50 nonpublic schools were honored with Blue Ribbons. 

A virtual awards ceremony will be held Nov. 12-13.