Two Shelby County Schools have been named 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

Jackson Elementary and John P. Freeman Optional School received the honor because of their extraordinary work in closing student achievement gaps.

U.S. Secretary of Education John King announced the award winners this morning. Jackson Elementary and John P. Freeman Optional are two of 279 public schools to receive the honor.

To be considered for Blue Ribbon status, the state department of education must first nominate a school. The school must then meet specific qualifications set by the U.S Department of Education. They are then awarded based on their academic excellence or progress in closing student achievement gaps.

For more information on the 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools visit:  http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html