Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary in Queen Creek is now an A+ School of Excellence.

The Arizona Educational Foundation has honored exemplary pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade public schools in Arizona with this award since 1983, and it is the highest state-level recognition an Arizona public school may receive.

FBPE is at 22076 E. Village Loop Road.

Principal Brian Butson said in a press release the application process was thorough, as judges take into account a variety of aspects including programs, community involvement, achievement, a site visit and more.

"This is a very special honor for our school," he said. "I’m so proud of our students and staff for all of the hard work they put in."

This year, FBPE is one of only 21 schools across the state to receive the award.

Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary opened in 2005. It currently has about 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The school is named after the teacher and artist Frances Brandon Pickett. The school has a display case filled with artifacts and photos donated by Pickett. She also created an oil painting of mustangs especially for the school. Mustangs are the FBPE mascots.