WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Each year, the United States Department of Education (DOE) highlights the top-performing schools across the country. While shining the spotlight, the DOE selects schools to take home the "National Blue Ribbon School" honor. What is a National Blue Ribbon School? The DOE’s National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program kicked off in 1982. The goal was to recognize the best schools in the U.S. and share best practices for outstanding schools. Each year, the DOE and state departments of education team up to identify and nominate schools for the award based on student academic achievement measures and progress toward closing achievement gaps. 4 Maryland elementary schools named ‘National Blue Ribbon Schools’ for 2024 After a rigorous review process, the DOE selects schools to be recognized as a "National Blue Ribbon School" to celebrate their achievement. The schools that are selected include public schools, charter schools, magnet/choice schools, Title I schools and non-public schools, including parochial and independent schools.  According to the NBRS website, since its inception over 40 years ago, the program has presented nearly 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. It is also one of the DOE's longest-running recognition programs. Officials said the prestigious award serves not only as a symbol of exemplary American schools but as an inspiration for schools nationwide. How did the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program get started? Terrel H. Bell, the former second secretary of education, was the brainchild behind the National Ribbon Schools Program. He served as secretary from 1981 to 1985 and is best known for commissioning the study of American education that resulted in "A National at Risk." Unplanned stop for USPS worker from DC leads to $1M win in scratch-off game Officials said Bell wanted to bring public attention to the top schools and facilitate communication while sharing the best practices for a school's success. During this time, he also originated the "Distinguished Principal Award," which recognizes the critical role school leaders play in effective schools. Schools across the DMV that were named "National Blue Ribbon Schools" On Sept. 23, Secretary Cardona announced that 356 schools were recognized as "2024 National Blue Ribbon School awardees." This includes 14 schools across D.C., Maryland and Virginia. In Washington, D.C., the DC Bilingual Public Charter School and Payne Elementary School made the list. In Maryland, Chapel Hill Elementary (Baltimore County Public Schools), Worthington Elementary (Howard County Public Schools), Bells Mill Elementary and Woodfield Elementary (both from Montgomery County Public Schools) were awarded the title. Lastly, in Virginia, eight schools were named for the award including Spring Hill Elementary School (Fairfax County Public Schools), St. Andrew The Apostle School (Arlington Diocese; Clifton) and T. Clay Wood Elementary School (Prince William County Public Schools). For more information on National Blue Ribbon Schools, visit their website.