Six New York City public schools today were designated 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The award recognizes exemplary high student performance, including at schools with a large high-needs student population.  “Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education.”

This year’s New York City public school winners are:  

• PS 46, the Alley Pond School, District 26, Queens;
• PS 66, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, District 27, Queens;
• PS 199, Jessie Isador Straus School, District 3, Manhattan;
• PS 221, the North Hills School, District 26, Queens;
• PS 222, Katherine R. Snyder School, District 22, Brooklyn;
• PS 247, the NYC College Partnership Elementary School, District 20, Brooklyn.

At four of the six schools, 40 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch: PS 46, PS 66, PS 222 and PS 247.   

Winners, nominated by the education officials in each state, must place in the top 15 percent in state assessments of reading or English language arts, and math in the most recent year tested to be considered for the award.

 In all, 236 public schools and 50 private schools were awarded the 2013 Blue Ribbon designation. The winners will be honored in a ceremony on Nov. 18-19 in Washington, D.C. Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed the award on nearly 7,500 of the nation’s schools.