FRANKLIN—Debra Hicks loves talking about the good things at Nottoway Elementary School.

She had one more thing to talk about Thursday.

Nottoway, where Hicks is principal, was among three schools in Western Tidewater to receive recognition from Gov. Bob McDonnell and the state Board of Education for academics. The others were Carrsville and Windsor elementary schools.

Nottoway Elementary was the only school in Southampton County to be given a 2011 Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award. Nottoway and 289 additional schools in Virginia received the award for meeting all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and making progress toward the goals of the governor and the board.

“We’re very honored because we have so many committed, diligent teachers with high expectations,” Hicks said. “What we try to do here is create a culture of success for children. Our main focus is that we try to make sure our children exceed the Commonwealth’s accreditation standards, so we are very excited to see our students excel.”

Hicks also commended the parents of the school’s 272 students, who are in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

Isle of Wight County Schools’ newest board member was happy to hear that Carrsville Elementary School was recognized in addition to the four other elementary schools in the district.

“I think that shows what they are doing, and it shows very much what (Principal) Ms. (Jackie) Carr has done and the teachers have done to get the award,” said Robert Eley, who was appointed in December to represent the Carrsville District. “I think it’s very impressive.”

Carrsville and Windsor elementary schools were among 323 schools to earn the Board of Education Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the Virginia Index of Performance program. Both schools have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward increased student achievement.

“I’m just very proud of the faculty and staff here,” said Windsor Elementary Principal Stenette Byrd. “They work very hard. I see the time and effort they put into their craft. I’m not surprised at all.”

“Isle of Wight County Schools is excited to have all five of our elementary schools recognized this year,” Superintendent Michael McPherson said in a news release. “We are pleased to know that the programs we have in place are successful, and that teachers and students are being recognized for their hard work.”

The governor and state Board of Education recognized a total of 728 schools and nine school districts. The incentive program, which was created by the Board of Education in 2007, recognizes schools and divisions that achieve excellence goals and exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards.