Tom Kitayama Elementary School's academic performance remained consistent throughout the 2025-26 school year. The @KitayamaBears Facebook page, a frequently updated social media presence, kept the community informed with regular campus news, making it one of the more active accounts among NHUSD elementary schools. NHUSD's Teacher Incentive Allotment program and district-wide professional development calendar, which all NHUSD campuses participate in, continue running at Kitayama through the spring 2026 semester.

Q1. What makes Tom Kitayama Elementary stand out in the district?

Ans. Tom Kitayama Elementary ranks #814 in California, second only to Delaine Eastin among all NHUSD elementary schools. What makes it genuinely interesting is that it combines strong academic performance with a racial diversity score of 0.67, which exceeds the state average.

Q2. Where is Kitayama Elementary located and who lives in its attendance zone?

Ans. Tom Kitayama Elementary sits on Sunsprite Drive in Union City's eastern residential neighborhoods, close to the Fremont city line. The surrounding area is mostly newer single-family homes and townhome developments built in the 1990s and 2000s. The neighborhood tends to have slightly higher housing values than the western Union City areas, which connects to Kitayama's lower economically disadvantaged rate compared to schools like Searles.

Q3. What after-school care is available at Kitayama Elementary?

Ans. Tom Kitayama Elementary is served by NHUSD's Beyond the Bell program through a Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro partnership. Betty Romero, the school's Beyond the Bell coordinator, can be reached at bromero@nhusd.k12.ca.us. The program had a waitlist for 2025-26, so families should inquire early about 2026-27 availability.

Q4. What middle school do Kitayama Elementary students attend?

Ans. Tom Kitayama Elementary students go on to Cesar Chavez Middle School, then to James Logan High School. Cesar Chavez is also where NHUSD's Mandarin and Spanish Dual Immersion programs from Emanuele and Searles continue into 6th grade, so Kitayama students will be learning alongside peers who've been in bilingual tracks since kindergarten.

Q5. How does Kitayama Elementary stay connected with families?

Ans. Tom Kitayama Elementary uses ParentSquare as its main communication platform and Aeries for grades and attendance. The school's Facebook page (@KitayamaBears) posts updates, event photos, and school news on a regular basis. The school office is reachable directly at (510) 475-3982 during school hours.