Skip to main content
Hamilton K-8 Receives FIDE Chess School Award

Novato, CA Hamilton K-8 School of Novato, California is one of 22 Schools world-wide and the only school within the United States to receive a Gold FIDE Chess School Award. FIDE is the International Chess Federation, the world governing body of chess. It recognized Hamilton K-8 School as a Gold FIDE Chess School in its inaugural recognition of chess schools that show a commitment to educational chess. This differs from traditional chess instruction as it specifically seeks to use chess as an educational tool with applications in learning math, logic, and social sciences, to name a few.

Hamilton was the only school selected from the United States, making this a remarkable achievement.

What Makes Hamilton K-8’s Chess Program Special

“What makes our club special is that we really try to make chess accessible to everyone and try to engage kids with chess in multiple ways. Our primary goal is to inspire them to want to learn more about it and have fun. We do this through traditional chess learning, and through incorporating chess variants and non-traditional puzzles that inspire thinking.  We also use in class strategies that focus on team building through chess,” says Abel Talamantez. Chess Program Director at Hamilton.

Mr. Talamantez continued, “While we take great pride in our competitive team, this educational approach has really sustained a community of players in which chess has become part of the culture of the school. This educational approach aligns with the mission and values of RISE Scholars, Inc., the non-profit organization which sponsors the program and others at the school.”

Hamilton now looks forward to collaborating with some of the other award-winning schools. The school continues to develop events and programs open to the entire Marin scholastic chess community.

Click HERE to see the 22 award winning schools from around the world. For more information on Hamilton Chess and Rise Scholars: www.hamiltonchess.org and www.riseforthekids.org.

Apply for a FIDE Chess School Award

Learn how your school can apply for a FIDE Chess School Award during the next award cycle which runs from July 1 to September 30.