MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced eight schools across the state have been named Wisconsin Blue Ribbon School winners, recognizing them for exceptional academic performance and success in closing achievement gaps.
“It is an honor to recognize these exceptional schools,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “This achievement is made possible by the students, educators, staff, families, and leaders who work every day to create school communities where everyone can learn, grow, and take pride in their success. Congratulations to each of these schools on this well-deserved recognition.”
Blue Ribbon Schools are honored in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Gap Closing Schools. High Performing Schools rank among the state’s highest-performing schools, determined by student assessment scores. Gap Closing Schools excel in narrowing performance disparities between individual student subgroups and the overall student body over a period of time. Wisconsin’s 2026 honorees are:
- Dunwiddie Elementary School (Port Washington-Saukville School District) – High Performing
- Hillcrest Elementary School (School District of Waukesha) – High Performing
- Wauzeka Elementary School (Wauzeka-Steuben School District) – High Performing and Gap Closing
- Prairie View Elementary School (Beaver Dam Unified School District) – High Performing and Gap Closing
- Little Chute Middle School (Little Chute Area School District) – High Performing and Gap Closing
- Oostburg High School (Oostburg School District) – Gap Closing
- Fall Creek High School (Fall Creek School District) – Gap Closing
- Grantsburg Elementary School (Grantsburg School District) – High Performing
This is the DPI’s second year naming Blue Ribbon Schools at the state level. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which had been in place since 1982. The Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Schools program will continue celebrating the exceptional work of educators and students across the state.
