The state Department of Education has named seven West Virginia schools as Schools of Excellence for the upcoming school year.

Criteria for the award include curriculum, a safe and drug-free learning environment and student achievement.

Schools receiving the award are: Meadow Bridge Elementary in Fayette County, DuPont Middle School in Kanawha County, Monroe County Technical Center, Pleasant View Elementary in Morgan County, George Washington Middle School in Putnam County, Stanaford Elementary in Raleigh County, Creed Collins Elementary in Ritchie County and Buffalo Elementary in Wayne County.

State Schools Superintendent Steve Paine says the schools have continually exceeded the academic bar.