About FSD79
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.
The District draws students from seven different municipalities across Lake County: Hawthorn Woods, Grayslake, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, Round Lake, and Wauconda. The area has experienced significant 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.
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.
The District’s learners excel in the classroom as both Fremont Elementary School and Fremont Intermediate School earned “Exemplary” designations in 2022 for being among the top 10% performing schools in Illinois, while Fremont Middle School was close behind with a “Commendable” designation. Fall 2022 data showed Fremont Middle School eighth-graders achieving at the national 85th percentile for reading and at the 87th percentile for math.
Fremont students matriculate to Mundelein High School (70%), Stevenson High School (27%), and Grayslake Central High School (3%).
Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, full-day kindergarten is free for all students. By eliminating tuition, all students are able to benefit academically, socially and emotionally. Fremont Middle School is creating a Career Technical Education (CTE) pilot for the 2023-24 school year, making it one of the only middle schools in the area to provide students with an opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways. 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 one of only 15 districts in the state to be recognized for excellence in budget presentation, having earned the award 13 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 has displayed 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.
The 2022-23 school year saw a pair of FSD79 principals earn the honor of Lake Region Principal of the Year from the Illinois Principals Association. Krista Winkelman was bestowed the recognition for her work at Fremont Middle School, while Stefan Ladenburger earned the award for his efforts at both Fremont Elementary and Intermediate Schools. Middle School science teacher Megan Temple was recognized with the 2023 Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service as presented by Illinois State Board of Education.