About FSD79
Fremont School District 79 educates approximately 2,100 PreK-Grade 8 students and draws from seven different municipalities across Lake County: Hawthorn Woods, Grayslake, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, Round Lake, and Wauconda. The area has experienced growth in recent decades due to the development of new neighborhoods thanks in part to the proximity to both the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas.
Three of the District’s schools sit on a shared campus, allowing teachers and students alike to come together across grade levels, creating an atmosphere that encourages a collaborative culture and positive learning environment. Originating from a one-school district in the 1950s to a modern four-school campus today, Fremont School District 79 has maintained a close-knit feel, while evolving into a high-performing suburban school district with state-of-the art facilities in one of Lake County’s hottest areas for growth and development.
Fremont Elementary School (K-2) opened in 1998, while Fremont Intermediate School (3-5) opened in 2007. Meanwhile, Fremont Middle School (6-8) has grown and undergone multiple modernizing renovations, most recently in 2018. In addition, as part of a shared partnership with Mundelein District 75 and Hawthorn District 73, Lincoln Learning Learning Center (Pre-K and early childhood) in downtown Mundelein hosts the District’s youngest learners. Fremont students matriculate to Mundelein High School (80%), Stevenson High School (18%), and Grayslake Central High School (2%).
FSD79 launched a four-year Strategic Plan in 2023 that is focused on four central themes: Safe, Healthy & Connected Culture, Growth & Achievement for All, Talent Recruitment & Development, and Financial & Facility Stewardship. Annual plans are created to help the District track progress toward its strategic goals.
In concert with significant enrollment growth anticipated over the next two decades, the District established a 20-year Educational Long-Range Facility Plan in 2024. The plan, which is being implemented via a phased approach, accounts for enrollment growth, educational priorities, and facility assessment and maintenance.
The District’s learners excel in the classroom. Fall 2023 data showed Fremont Middle School eighth-graders achieving at the national 87th percentile for math and the 82nd percentile for reading. Full-day kindergarten is free for all students. By eliminating tuition, all students are able to benefit academically, socially, and emotionally. The District also offers a wide variety of athletic programs and clubs for students to participate in extracurricular activities in order to discover their passions.
FSD79 takes pride in its consistent dedication to fiscal responsibility. Fremont is regularly recognized for excellence in budget presentation, having earned the Meritorious Budget Award 14 consecutive years. The District has earned the highest financial distinction from the State of Illinois with the Financial Recognition Award, which the District has received every year since the state started the program in 2003. Additionally, FSD79 is one of the 10% of school districts in the nation rated Aa1 or higher from Moody’s Investment Service.
The District continues to display commitment to hiring and retaining talented teachers and staff as evidenced by instituting market adjustments for all employees in 2023. FSD79 and its teachers agreed to a new contract in the spring of 2023 that will run through the 2027-28 school year, ensuring competitive wages and benefits.
In 2023, Fremont was awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey. FSD79 was the only school district to earn the distinction. Additionally, Fremont staff reported a 93% satisfaction rate with the District, according to 2024 survey data.