Three elementary schools along the Wasatch Front are being recognized nationally as Blue Ribbon Schools.

Beacon Heights Elementary in Salt Lake, Cleveland Elementary in Emery County and Enoch Elementary School in Iron County were awarded the honor Tuesday.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private schools that are academically superior or have shown dramatic improvement in student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students.

The principal and one teacher from each school will receive a Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag to signify its status at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November.

"A lot of hard work by students, parents, teachers and school principals had to take place in order for them to reach this goal," Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said. "When students improve academically, everyone — individual students, schools and communities — benefits. I'm proud of their effort and of their success."

For more information, go to www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

— By Amy K. Stewart