DES MOINES, Iowa —

Four Iowa schools have earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation this year.

State officials announced the selections during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the State Capitol. Formerly the National Blue Ribbon Schools, the prestigious program is now a state-led recognition initiative, honoring some of the state’s top-performing schools, the Department of Education said in a news release.

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This year's honorees include:

Albia Middle School, Albia Community School District

Bryant Elementary School, Dubuque Community School District

George-Little Rock Elementary, George-Little Rock Community School District

Prairie Hill Elementary School, College Community Schoo

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