Three Oahu schools were named 2013 National Blue Ribbon winners on Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education for academic excellence or for improving academic achievement.

Blanche Pope Elementary in Waimanalo, Nuuanu Elementary and Waikiki Elementary were selected from among 420 nominations nationwide.

"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. Secretary of Education 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."

The state Department of Education said the three schools were chosen as Hawaii’s nominees in November because their test scores had improved dramatically or because they were in the top 10 percent of schools in the state in both reading and mathematics.

The schools credited their staffs and students’ parents for the awards.

"We’re all very excited, our whole community," said Todd Watanabe, principal at Pope Elementary. "Our teachers work hard with these kids every day. We’ve worked hard for several years, building a foundation to the point where students are actually realizing tremendous gains."

He also credited the support of parents and community partners.

Pope Elementary’s test scores have more than doubled in the past five years: 83 percent of students tested proficient in reading for the 2012-13 school year, up from 38 percent in 2007-08; and 79 percent tested proficient in math last year, up from 27 percent five years ago.

"We’re blessed to be recognized at this time," Watanabe said.

At Nuuanu Elementary, Principal James Toyooka credited "a very dedicated staff and parents" for his school’s award — the third Blue Ribbon for Nuuanu.

He said the school’s test scores have generally been high, but that there’s always room for improvement. (Ninety-two percent of Nuuanu students tested proficient in reading and 90 percent tested proficient in math last year.)

The Hawaii schools 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 U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982 to highlight schools around the nation where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in academic achievement.