Students, educators, and staff at eight Wisconsin schools are earning statewide recognition for their outstanding work. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently announced the 2026 Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Schools, celebrating them for exceptional academic performance and progress 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.”
The schools are recognized in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools, which rank among the state’s highest performing schools, determined by student assessment scores, and Exemplary Gap Closing Schools, which demonstrate success in narrowing performance disparities between student subgroups and the overall student body.
Dunwiddie Elementary School – Port Washington-Saukville School District
Hillcrest Elementary School – School District of Waukesha
Grantsburg Elementary School – Grantsburg School District
Exemplary Gap Closing Schools
Oostburg High School – Oostburg School District
Fall Creek High School – Fall Creek School District
Recognized in both categories
Wauzeka Elementary School – Wauzeka-Steuben School District
Prairie View Elementary School – Beaver Dam Unified School District
Little Chute Middle School – Little Chute Area School District
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.
Congratulations to all eight schools, their staff, students, and communities on this well-deserved honor!
This content is sourced from
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
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