Three New Hampshire schools were among 269 recognized nationally as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence or for making progress in improving student academic achievement levels.

U.S Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized the schools on Sept. 7, honoring Canterbury Elementary School and Memorial School in Bedford as being “Exemplary High Performing” schools as measured by state assessments or national testing.

Lisbon Regional Middle School was chosen as an “Exemplary Improving” school. At least 40 percent of the rural school’s K-12 students have disadvantaged backgrounds but the school still made the most progress in improving student achievement levels.