AUGUSTA — Solon Elementary School has been recognized as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Solon school and Hope Elementary School, near Appleton and Lincolnville, are the only two Maine schools to be honored this year.

The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.

“Congratulations to Hope and Solon for being recognized and for the great work they are doing for students in their schools,” Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen said in a news release Monday. “As we seek to expand the sharing of best education practices throughout our state, we have two more schools we can point to as models.”

Solon Elementary School is part of School Administrative District 74, based in North Anson.