2023 Best Public High Schools in the Rockford Area

• Rockton, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  457 reviews

Alum: Hononegah High school is an academically rigorous public school. When I was a student there, creating a strong community among students and staff was one of their top priorities. The intensive testing and workload was difficult, and at times the standards set on students seemed unfair; however, it is worth it as it made me stronger and prepared me for my future educational ambitions. The most foundational experiences I've had at HCHS involve the teachers who put passion into their work. These teachers build constructive environments and refuse to treat any student unfairly. My biggest criticism of the school is some of the administrative decisions, such as confusing communication and the neglect of the arts. Similar to many other schools, Hononegah puts the arts as a low priority, which meant the few art instructors struggled with their own workloads and expectations.... Read 457 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,968

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Meridian Community Unit School District No. 223, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  95 reviews

Senior: Stillman Valley High School to me is home, at least the last 2 semesters. With all of the change in the world in 2020 Stillman Valley High School has really put forth there best effort to create a simple and easy hybrid learning style. Meaning the district installed "Pexip" cameras and Monitors in every class room to live stream every single moment of class. By installing this system the teachers and freely move around the classroom as the were teaching a regular class. This works seamlessly with the district's hybrid plan. The hybrid plan allows students who do not feel safe to learn at school join the classes live stream from home. While other students may go to school and sit in while the teacher conducts his/he lessons for the day. This plan is centered around a block schedule. Students are in-person four days a week leaving Wednesday as a full remote day. This gives the amazing custodians a day to disinfect everything. In all my time at Stillman it was safe and educational.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 560

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  366 reviews

Senior: The gifted program at Auburn high school is fantastic for academics. There are lots of opportunities to take advanced classes and interact with teachers. The teachers are amiable and knowledgeable about the subjects. However, the environment is not very safe and there are fights almost daily. The school often goes into lockdown. The building is decent and has up-to-date technology. The bathrooms are very dirty and often smell like marijuana or other drugs. There are lots of opportunities to join sports and extracurriculars. The sports teams tend to perform decently and the academic teams do very well. The arts program is underwhelming, but there are lots of opportunities for students to become involved.... Read 366 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,046

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Belvidere Community Unit School District No. 100, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  246 reviews

Sophomore: As a current sophomore at Belvidere North High, my high school experience has been one that I will remember forever. My school excels in making everyone feel welcomed and overall is a great environment to be around. The teachers here aren't the best in the world at teaching but for the most part they are really nice. One thing I love about this school is the programs it offers to prepare you in the future. Whether it being the running start program that offers the choice to finish your last two years at our local community college to receive your associates degree or our numerous AP classes.... Read 246 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,457

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rochelle Township High School District No. 212, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  158 reviews

Alum: The teachers were fantastic to work with. They helped students academically and listened to their personal concerns. The high school itself offers a welcoming environment including many activities to be inclusive to all students, beautiful landscaping outside and projects in the halls, and an incredibly understanding staff that strives to make high school as simple as possible. Students have the ability to choose which class they're placed in based on personal interest and difficulty level which gives students a sense of comfort and control.... Read 158 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 889

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Byron Community Unit School District No. 226, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  63 reviews

Alum: Byron High School is a pretty good school. It has almost everything a high schooler could ask for. The teachers I had were nice and could be cool sometimes. The schoolwork wasn't too bad and the AP classes were fine. There is a pool, an auditorium, and two gyms. There are a good range of classes to choose from and a few ways to get college credits. Overall, I'd say it's above average.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Pecatonica Community Unit School District No. 321, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: I really liked that Pecatonica High School is a small school, which allowed me to play multiple sports. I also liked that I was able to go in and talk to my teachers at any time, and they got to know us on a personal level, which showed that they cared. They were always willing to help whenever I had questions. Because the school is small, I know the administration well, and they are always pushing us to do our best and be as prepared for college as possible. One thing I wish Pecatonica High School offered was more elective class choices. I would have liked to have an opportunity to take classes teaching us some basic life skills, such as cooking, paying bills, and managing money.... Read 44 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 288

• Student-teacher ratio —

• North Boone Community Unit School District No. 200, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  96 reviews

Senior: A good small school with caring staff. Everyone knows each other and there is a sense of community between staff and students. When I first came to this school I was able to make friends because of all the clubs and activities that they offer. The overall atmosphere is nice. The sports teams are good. The teachers care about the students and want the best for them. They have relationships with as many students as possible to help us all learn the best way possible. The facility is relatively new and everything is very nice inside. It has two gyms and I like that the whole school is mostly carpeted except for science rooms and the commons.... Read 96 reviews

• grade B

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  182 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from Guilford High School in May 2017. The best thing about Guilford was the teachers. From my calculus teacher, to my AP art teacher, each and every one had a particular passion towards teaching that you unfortunately do not always see. Each and every one of my teachers were devoted to seeing us succeed, not just with finishing high school, but also beyond that. Many teachers of mine helped students with college application processes, advice, and unconditional support. Every student deserves to learn from teachers like these. I will forever be grateful to them and what they'd taught me those four years!... Read 182 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,970

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Harlem School District No. 122, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  296 reviews

Senior: Personally, I enjoyed my time at Harlem High School. The teachers were really friendly and taught in a way that the content of the curriculum was easy to learn and recall. The curriculum could have consisted of some more difficult work, but there were honors classes offered as well as a other options for students seeking more. The extracurriculars were great and inclusive. The staff was always looking to help students. My experience of Harlem was over all really good.... Read 296 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,004

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Winnebago Community Unit School District No. 323, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  105 reviews

Niche User: Attending Winnebago High School was one of the greatest experiences that I have had! The teachers there really care for their students and want them to succeed. I personally got along better with the teachers rather than the students. Its a clean, welcoming, and encouraging environment. It is a small community so everyone knows everybody. In some ways its not always ideal but in cases where seeking help is needed, you know that there is always someone there who understands. I wish I could go back!... Read 105 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio —

• South Beloit Community Unit School District No. 320, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: South Beloit High School is a tight knit community. It's a small school with small class sizes, you really get a one-on-one relationship with your teachers. I think this is important, as I've found that I learn much better in an environment where I can get to know my teachers! All of the staff and teachers are very friendly and respectful. All of the teachers at South Beloit High School want the absolute best for all of their students and I find this very important in education.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: I like going to Jefferson High school. The teachers I have are really nice and they help me the best way they can. However, what I would change about Jefferson would be the grading system. Jefferson uses a 90:10 ratio of grading with both summative and formative assignments with the summative assignments being 90% of your grade in the overall class. In my opinion, education should not be measured by what grades you get in the class but rather by how well you know the material. And so Jefferson should start using an equity point of view rather than an equality point of view, with curving certain students' assignments depending on how much help they need in that class.... Read 170 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,979

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Belvidere Community Unit School District No. 100, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  156 reviews

Alum: Good education with countless opportunities in a relaxed environment compared to larger high schools... Read 156 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,288

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  158 reviews

Works Here: The teachers are terrific! They are very caring, hardworking, and diligent. They go out of their way to provide opportunities for all students to be successful. In this year of hybrid schooling, they have tirelessly learned new platforms and strategies to help students. They are making parent connections more than ever. Food services ensures students get breakfast and lunch each day, and the ladies send bags of food home each day with students as they leave the building. We have a very diverse student body, and numerous sports opportunities. The coaches are dedicated to bringing out the best in all students, encouraging them in their studies and inspiring them to do their best both in practice and competition. Students have many musical and theatrical opportunities as well, including orchestra, band, choir, and theater. An academy structure prepares students for various jobs and careers as well as for college and trade schools. Our community is very fortunate to have our school.... Read 158 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,694

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Hiawatha Community Unit School District No. 426, IL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 2.9 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Hiawatha is a very small community, but it is very strong. Being an outsider, it is hard to get accepted as everyone knows everyone already, but that is the fun of it. I have had great teachers, who I have had for multiple years, and they are great. Small community string.... Read 10 reviews

• grade C

• Students 229

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: The way in which education and work are done is good, but it's all very low level and designed more to get us a diploma than teach us. Nice staff and okay students, but it's overall lacking in challenging aspects and educational expertise.... Read 8 reviews

• grade C minus

• Students 23

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio —