PHOENIX — Six schools in Arizona were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools on Friday by the U.S. Department of Education.

In Maricopa County, four schools received the exemplary high performing schools honor; Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Weinberg Gifted Academy (Chandler Unified School District), Cherokee Elementary School ( Scottsdale Unified School District) and Vista Del Sure Accelerated Academy (Laveen Elementary School District).

The recognition, a widely known symbol of exemplary teaching and learning, is based on a school’s general performance or improvement in closing achievement gaps in student subgroups, the Department of Education said in a press release.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming and affirming communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential and achieve their dreams,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the release.

“As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children.”

Outside of the Valley, Masada Charter School in northern Arizona and General Myer Elementary School in southern Arizona received the same recognition.

Schools are divided into two categories — exemplary high performing schools and exemplary achievement gap closing schools — based on student scores, subgroup student scores and completion rates.

The Department of Education recognized 297 schools for 2022. Since its establishment, the National Blue Ribbons Schools Programs has granted about 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools.

Up to 420 schools can be nominated each year by top education officials around the U.S.

“Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives,” Cardona said.

Follow @KTAR923