SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Eleven schools in the San Francisco Bay Area were chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond congratulated the 11 schools, which were picked among just 33 in California and 356 nationwide. Receiving a "blue ribbon" is a prestigious designation awarded annually to public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. According to state education officials, the recognized schools are among California's highest performing based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates. Best Colleges list: Bay Area school makes surprising entrance into Top 20 National Blue Ribbon Schools 2024 in the San Francisco Bay Area: Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School District, San Jose, Santa Clara County Santa Clara, Leigh High School, Campbell Union High, San Jose, Santa Clara County Lynbrook High School, Fremont Union High School District, San Jose, Santa Clara County Miramonte High School, Acalanes Union High, Orinda, Contra Costa County Alameda Science and Technology Institute, Alameda Unified School District, Alameda County Cornell Elementary School, Albany City Unified, Albany, Alameda County John Muir Elementary School, Berkeley Unified, Berkeley, Alameda County Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley Unified, Castro Valley, Alameda County Warm Springs Elementary School, Fremont Unified, Fremont, Alameda County Southgate Elementary School, Hayward Unified School District, Hayward, Alameda County Madison Elementary School, San Leandro Unified, San Leandro, Alameda County Thurmond said "blue ribbon" schools have shown "their commitment to creating an inclusive and outstanding learning environment embodies our mission for education here in California. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all, and we proudly celebrate this remarkable achievement.” Public schools are nominated by top education officials in each state. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.