Fremont School Earns Prestigious Federal Blue Ribbon Award

FREMONT, CA — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced on Monday that 356 schools across the nation were named as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including 30 in California and one in Fremont.

Warm Springs Elementary School was honored in the category Exemplary High Performing Schools. The school serves approximately 655 students in grades 3-5.

It was lauded for its nurturing environment. "Warm Springs is committed to helping every student reach their full potential. Our inclusive curriculum celebrates cultural diversity, while differentiated instruction ensures that each student is challenged appropriately and supported where needed."

The school also has multiple program in place to foster excellence. "Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program promotes a positive school culture by recognizing students for their positive actions, fostering responsibility and respect."

"The Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and after-school band further support students' academic and artistic development. These strategies and programs contribute to the unique character of Warm Springs Elementary, enriching the educational experience and fostering a supportive, inclusive community."

The selection of Warm Springs Elementary is a proud achievement for the principal. "It is such an honor for Warm Springs to be named a National Blue Ribbon School," said Principal Scott Iwata, who has served Warm Springs Elementary since 2012. "I couldn't be prouder of the entire Warm Springs community for the dedication and collaboration that earned this recognition. Our students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset, our teachers and staff model that growth while supporting every learner, and our families and PTA continually provide the support needed for our school to thrive. This was a total team effort."

Fremont Unified School District's superintendent is also pleased with the choice. "I congratulate Warm Springs Elementary on earning a space in the national spotlight as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School," said Superintendent Erik Burmeister. "The school community can be proud of this accomplishment and its work to advance student academic excellence and meet each student’s needs through timely and tailored opportunities to be challenged and supported."

The prestigious national recognition highlights schools that either excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools

These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Elsewhere in the East Bay, Alameda, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Hayward, and San Leandro also had schools selected. In the wider Bay Area, three San Jose schools were chosen.

"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

"The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities."