The U.S. Department of Education has recognized three Oahu schools for academic excellence or for improving academic achievement.

The department announced Tuesday that Blanche Pope Elementary in Waimanalo, Nuuanu Elementary and Waikiki Elementary are named 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

They are among 236 public and 50 private schools nationwide to earn the distinction. They will be honored at a recognition ceremony in November in Washington, D.C.

The schools were selected from 420 nominations nationwide.