Fremont Accepted Into National Network of Innovative School Districts

FSD79 joins other leading school districts as members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to advance innovation and excellence in education

MUNDELEIN, Ill. – Fremont School District 79 has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national network of school districts that connects and supports the nation’s most forward-thinking leaders in education. The League is organized by Digital Promise, a non-partisan, global nonprofit that advances equitable education systems by bringing together solutions across research, practice, and technology.

FSD79 was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its educational leadership, demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovative vision for learning, key achievements, and collaborative spirit.

“Joining the League of Innovative Schools advances our mission to prepare every student for a rapidly changing world,” said FSD79 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda. “We look forward to sharing our progress in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, STEM, and inclusive learning while collaborating with national peers to enhance student outcomes.”

Dr. Kocanda represents Fremont in the League. Leaders, educators, and learners across the district gain access to a range of learning opportunities and resources, including: 

• Learning Inside Real Systems: Meeting in person with system leaders to experience innovative practices in real classrooms across the country and around the world and develop action plans for adopting and adapting similar approaches. 
• Engaging in Peer-to-Peer Learning: Connecting and collaborating regularly with peers through virtual learning spaces to discuss shared challenges, identify possible solutions, and implement changes that move the needle. 
• Co-Creating and Piloting Research-Backed Approaches: Partnering with Digital Promise researchers and fellow school systems to build a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the community and develop research-backed solutions that improve student outcomes.

“The best solutions in education right now aren't coming from any one district working alone,” said Jillian Doggett, director of network supports at Digital Promise. “For 15 years, the League has proven that when leaders see innovative practices firsthand, learn alongside peers facing the same challenges, and co-design research-backed solutions with our team, everyone moves faster. A practice piloted in one classroom becomes a resource for teachers in dozens of districts, and a question one leader raises becomes an answer thousands of students benefit from—that's what membership means for Fremont School District 79: its educators and students don't just contribute to that progress; they get to draw on it.”

The League welcomes this newest cohort as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, which it is recognizing by elevating stories of impact from districts across the network since its founding. 

FSD79 and the other new League members collectively represent 175 districts across 37 states, and expands its cumulative impact to over 4.4 million students served over time. The full list of members can be found at digitalpromise.org/districts.

For more information on the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, visit: digitalpromise.org/league. 

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About Fremont School District 79
FSD79 educates approximately 2,000 students in preschool through eighth grade and serves students from a 34-square-mile area in the communities of Mundelein, Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Grove, and Libertyville. FSD79 students matriculate to Mundelein High School, Stevenson High School, and Grayslake Central High School. To learn more, visit https://www.fsd79.org.

About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for learners and prepare them to thrive on every path ahead. We integrate research, practice, and technology across the education ecosystem to investigate, design, and scale innovations that drive meaningful outcomes. Our vision is that every person engages in Powerful Learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility and security. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow Digital Promise for updates.