INDIANAPOLIS -- Sixteen schools in Indiana, including several in the Central Indiana region, have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. According to a news release from the department, 356 schools throughout the United States were given the National Blue Ribbon designation in 2024. This highlights schools that "excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups." Braun, McCormick to participate in FOX59/CBS4 gubernatorial debate The schools in the state of Indiana who were given this designation include: Evansville: Oak Hill Elementary School of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Floyds Knobs: Saint Mary of the Knobs Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Greenwood: Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Hebron: Porter Lakes Elementary School of the Porter Township School Corporation Indianapolis: Heritage Christian School of the Heritage Christian School District Indianapolis: Paramount Cottage Home of the Paramount Schools of Excellence Indianapolis: Roncalli High School of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Indianapolis: St. Pius X Catholic School of the Arch Diocese of Indianapolis Ladoga: Ladoga Elementary School of the South Montgomery Community School Corporation Montgomery: Barr-Reeve Middle/High School of the Barr-Reeve Community Schools Inc. Munster: St. Thomas More School of the Diocese of Gary Noblesville: St. Theodore Guerin High School of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana Pine Village: Pine Village Elementary School of the Metropolitan School District of Warren County Shipshewana: Meadowview Elementary School of the Westview School Corporation Wadesville: Saint Wendel Catholic School of the Diocese of Evansville West Lafayette: West Lafayette Elementary School of the West Lafayette Community School Corporation “The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the release. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”