2024 Best Schools in the Rockford Area

• Rockford, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: Keith is the perfect setting for students wanting/needing an individualized education curriculum. While the rigor is that of a college preparatory school, the teachers are very supportive in assisting students meet the academic expectations. The emphasis on the arts from LS all the way through the US is quite awesome! The opportunities for growth and development in Art, Music, and Drama is introduced at the PreK level and continues on through LS, MS and US. Keith allows everyone the opportunity for and encourages participation in extracurriculars from sports to quiz bowl to robotics and even individualized clubs.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 248

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Prairie Hill Community Consolidated School District No. 133, IL•

• PK, K-4

• grade A

• Students 448

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District No. 131, IL•

• PK, K-1

• grade A

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Shirland, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A

• Students 101

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Rockton, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  461 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 461 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,940

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Prairie Hill Community Consolidated School District No. 133, IL•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: The teachers at willow brook are amazing. They truly prepare you for high school. They do everything in their power to help you succeed, even after you move on to high school. Every teacher is more than qualified and great with middle schoolers. They are all upstanding citizens and leaders.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 303

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District No. 131, IL•

• 2-3

• grade A

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

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

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: I love how much communication there is between the staff and parents.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 684

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

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

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 341

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Lindenwood, IL•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 72

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District No. 131, IL•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rockton School District No. 140, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle school student: I am thrilled to share my experience about Stephen Mack Middle School. This school is truly exceptional with a dedicated and caring staff who go above and beyond to help their students succeed. The counselor is amazing and provides excellent guidance and support to students. Safety is a top priority at Stephen Mack and the school has a strong bullying policy that ensures a secure and positive learning environment for all students. I highly recommend Stephen Mack Middle School to any parent looking for a quality education for their child.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 483

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Rockton School District No. 140, IL•

• 3-5

• grade A minus

• Students 526

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Kings, IL•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 86

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

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

• 5-8

• grade A minus

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Creston, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 84

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Rockford, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  138 reviews

Senior: The teachers are kind and the environment is very welcoming to everyone, no matter their religion. The best parts are the community you can build there. The worst parts are the forced religious involvements. Even though it is a religious school, every student is required to attend Mass once a month, during the school day. I'm sure adjustments can be made if requested, but I do not believe students should have to ask to be excused. Other requirements include religious retreats that are a graduation requirement. I hope to see a change in the graduation requirements. I hope that math and science and other core subjects are given more importance than theology.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 740

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District No. 131, IL•

• 4-5

• grade A minus

• Students 382

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Rockford, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: I have been a student at Rockford Christian since pre-K 3. During my time here, I have made many amazing friends, and have had the privilege of being taught by many amazing teachers. I am a very math and science oriented student. This year, our Science Olympiad, FTC Robotics, and ICTM Math teams all advanced to state, winning several awards. Being a part of these teams was an amazing opportunity to pursue my interests outside of the classroom. I have also been on the Bass Fishing, Rocketry, and Scholastic Bowl teams, and have had a lot of fun in those. There are opportunities to serve in the student council, NHS, and Key Club, and our athletic teams always succeed in their competitions. I was on the swim team for four years, and made many of my best friends that way. In the Fall, I will be attending Duke University. I was also accepted to Northwestern and was offered a full ride to two other institutions. RCS prepared me well for college, and I am excited for what is to come!... Read 139 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 743

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rockford, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  135 reviews

Parent: Really like the culture of this school! Feels like everyone knows and supports each other. Teachers communicate fairly well with parents but I do feel like academics aren’t to the “private school level” they could or should be. More opportunities to mentor students, provide enrichment and set higher expectations would really push students to a higher standard. That being said, we completely understand that students are playing catch up after the chaos of covid. Hoping new administration will focus less on the “Christ-centered” calling of the school and more on recruiting and retaining high quality teachers and college prep.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 746

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

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

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  98 reviews

Senior: I really loved all of my teachers, but the amount of resources for athletics seemed distributed unfairly. Football seemed to get the most amount of resources, where other sports had to make do. An example of this is how girls and boys soccer had to share soccer bags, even varsity. Additionally, I wish there were more AP classes available.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 481

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

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

• PK, K-4

• grade A minus

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I go to this school and I have since 2nd grade. All the teachers are nice and want the best for all of their students. There is a lot of homework but that is what the program uses to make sure you are trying and actually want to be in this special program. I overall love this school and all of the people here are wonderful.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 471

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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 919

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Rockford School District No. 205, IL•

• 1-4

• grade B+

• Students 363

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1