(AP) — The U.S Department of Education has named five Nebraska schools as 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The schools were chosen among 286 nationwide. The award is based on academic excellence and success in closing achievement gaps.

The schools are Burwell Elementary School in Burwell, Ord Elementary School in Ord, Wakefield Elementary School in Wakefield, Wisner-Pilger Elementary School in Wisner and St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Elkhorn.

The department will honor the schools at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November.