Three public schools this week are accepting the national Blue Ribbon School award for outstanding academic achievement.

Ala Wai Elementary today received its Blue Ribbon in a ceremony in the school's cafeteria. Two other schools, 'Aina Haina and Holualoa, will receive their awards later this week.

The award is given by the U.S. Department of Education to select schools each year in recognition of those that are making substantial progress under No Child Left Behind. A Blue Ribbon school is one that has closed the achievement gap among its students, or saw students succeed at very high levels.

Hawai'i's schools are part of 320 schools nationwide that are receiving the honor this year.

"Ala Wai is an example for the rest of the nation, an example of all the ideas that are working," said Emily Casarona, deputy regional representative for the U.S. Department of Education.

Casarona attended the award ceremony at Ala Wai today and congratulated students and teachers on their hard work.

"Pat yourselves on the back," she told the cafeteria full of elementary students.

Casarona said Ala Wai has succeeded under No Child Left Behind in the face of serious adversity.

The school, with more than 21 native languages represented and some 61 percent of students coming from low-income households, has managed to make substantial gains in state testing. Moreover, about a third of students have limited English proficiency.

Regardless, Ala Wai has exceeded all expectations. Over the past five years, the number of fifth-grade students who met or exceeded state standards increased by 39 percent in reading and 51 percent in math.

"You always hear about schools not doing well," said Lori Kwee, a fourth-grade teacher at Ala Wai.

"But come to the school, and you'll see the kids blossoming," she said.

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