JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nine Missouri schools are among 286 nationwide to earn honors this year as "Blue Ribbon Schools."

The award from the U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools whose students have high academic achievement levels or make significant improvement.

The 2013 winners from Missouri are Bolivar High School; Brentwood High School; Lee's Summit West High School; Messiah Lutheran School in St. Charles; Nixa High School; Sappington Elementary School in St. Louis; Spokane High School; Willow Springs High School; and W.W. Keysor Elementary School in Kirkwood.

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