The U.S. Department of Education has named three Oahu schools — Enchanted Lake, Heeia and Hokulani Elementary — as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation announced the achievement Monday. The three Hawaii schools were among 300 top-performing public and private schools in the nation.

“A big part of ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for Hawaii is providing our young people with access to an affordable, quality education,” Sen. Inouye said in a news release.

Blue Ribbon Schools exude educational excellence and equity, and their students achieve at high levels or have demonstrated great progress in narrowing achievement gaps, especially among minority students. The program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.