INDIANAPOLIS -- Eight Indiana schools were recognized for excellence by the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday.

The schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools, an honor given to those that either make significant gains in closing the achievement gap or demonstrate academic superiority within their states, said Jason Bearce, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Education.

Warren Township's Liberty Park Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indianapolis Public School's Rousseau McClellan School 91 and the Diocese of Gary's St. Casimir School in Hammond were recognized for dramatically improved student achievement, with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students.

Five Indiana schools were honored as ranking within the top 10 percent in the state: Centerton Elementary School in Martinsville, the Diocese of Fort Wayne's Christ the King School in South Bend, Hazel Dell Elementary School in Noblesville, Signature School Inc. in Evansville and Union Township Middle School in Valparaiso.

Those schools have less than 40 percent disadvantaged students.

"Indiana schools are working hard every day to raise student achievement," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed. "Earning the national Blue Ribbon honor is a fitting tribute to the ongoing efforts of the Hoosier students and educators at these schools."

Indiana’s eight Blue Ribbon Schools were among 320 schools honored nationally this year. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony hosted by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in Washington, D.C. in October.

More Information: 2008 Blue Ribbon Schools