WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — Eight schools across Wisconsin have been named 2026 Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Schools, recognizing them for strong academic performance and success in closing achievement gaps, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Schools are recognized in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Gap Closing Schools.

Exemplary High Performing Schools rank among the state's highest-performing schools based on student assessment results, while Exemplary Gap Closing Schools are recognized for reducing performance disparities between individual student groups and the overall student body over time.

Four of this year's honorees are in southeastern Wisconsin:

• Dunwiddie Elementary School in the Port Washington-Saukville School District
• Hillcrest Elementary School in the School District of Waukesha
• Prairie View Elementary School in the Beaver Dam Unified School District
• Oostburg High School in the Oostburg School District

"It is an honor to recognize these exceptional schools," State Superintendent Jill Underly said. "This achievement is made possible by the students, educators, staff, families, and leaders who work every day to create school communities where everyone can learn, grow, and take pride in their success. Congratulations to each of these schools on this well-deserved recognition."

This is the second year DPI has recognized Blue Ribbon Schools at the state level.

The U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 2025 after more than four decades. The federal program began in 1982.

Wisconsin's Blue Ribbon Schools program will continue recognizing schools across the state for academic achievement and efforts to close achievement gaps.