Building Brighter Futures
If you’re looking for a community that believes in its students and invests in their success,
you’ve found the right place. The Rockford Region offers a wide range of educational options
– from top-rated public schools to skilled trades training to higher education –
helping every student discover their path and thrive.
At the heart of our region’s educational community is Rockford Public Schools (RPS
205), one of the largest districts in Illinois. RPS 205 is home to innovative programs,
world-class facilities, and teachers passionate about preparing students for what comes next. From
nationally recognized Fine Arts programs to robust College and Career Academies, students graduate ready
for college, a trade, or the workforce.
When it comes to making college a reality, Rockford Promise is leading the way –
and the results speak for themselves. This transformative scholarship program offers eligible RPS 205
and Boylan full tuition to partner colleges and universities. The Class of 2025 alone saw 203 local
graduates awarded scholarships. As of the fall of 2025, Rockford Promise has 570 students actively
enrolled in college across four partner institutions: Rockford University, Rock Valley College,
Northern Illinois University, and OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing. The
outcomes are remarkable: Rockford Promise scholars at Rockford University boast a 92% graduation rate,
and approximately 70% of all scholars are first-generation college students. Since the program’s
founding in 2016, 159 students have graduated as Rockford Promise alumni. A partnership with Rockford
University and the City of Rockford – backed by $500,000 annually in casino tax revenue from Hard
Rock Casino Rockford – has further expanded access for students from partner schools within city
limits. Rockford Promise is a shining example of how this community rallies around its students and
helps them dream big.
Beyond RPS 205, the Rockford Region is home to other excellent public districts, including
Harlem and Hononegah, as well as private schools offering personalized
and faith-based learning environments, such as Boylan Catholic High School, Rockford Lutheran,
Rockford Christian, and Keith Country Day School.
For students drawn to the trades, the Rockford Region is the place to be – and the numbers back
it up. Governor Pritzker recently highlighted Rockford as fourth in Illinois for growth and earnings in
the trades, and interest among young people has never been higher. Project First Rate,
a partnership between union contractors and tradespeople – and a newly named U.S. Department of
Labor National Apprenticeship Ambassador – connects aspiring tradespeople with tuition-free
apprenticeship programs across more than 17 skilled careers, from carpentry and electrical to
pipefitting and machining. Their annual Building Trades Career Expo draws hundreds of students from
across the region each year. Apprentices earn a living wage from day one, graduate debt-free, and
research shows they out-earn their peers by $300,000 over a lifetime. In the Rockford Region, the trades
aren’t just a job – they’re a gateway to a fulfilling future.
Innovation in technical and career education is thriving across the region. RPS 205
recently opened The Quad, a dedicated College & Career Education Center that serves
students from all district high schools – hosting college fairs, career pathway programs, and
hands-on learning experiences all under one roof. Complementing that is Rock Valley College’s
77,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Center (ATC), a state-of-the-art facility offering credit
and non-credit training in manufacturing, engineering, and other high-growth fields. Together, these two
facilities represent the region’s serious investment in preparing students for whatever comes
next.
For traditional higher education, Rockford offers an impressive range of institutions close to home.
Rock Valley College, Rockford University, Rockford Career College, Rasmussen University, OSF
Saint Anthony College of Nursing, and the University of Illinois College of
Medicine all provide accessible, impactful options spanning healthcare, business, technology,
nursing, and beyond. Strong partnerships between schools and local businesses add real-world experience
that strengthens our entire regional workforce.
In the Rockford Region, we believe in investing in our future – and in each other. Whether
you’re a student, parent, or educator, you’ll find a community that works together to create
opportunity and champion success. It’s just one more reason Rockford is a place to grow.
Welcome to a region that believes in its students and their future.
Regional Public School Districts
Durand Community Unit School
District 322
200 W. South St., Durand, IL 61024
(815) 248-2171 | www.durandbulldogs.com
Harlem School District 122
8605 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park, IL 61115
(815) 654-4500 | www.harlem122.org
Hononegah Community High School
District 207
307 Salem St., Rockton, IL 61702
(815) 624-2070 | www.hononegah.org
Kinnikinnick School District 131
5410 Pine Ln., Roscoe, IL 61073
(815) 623-2837 | www.kinn131.org
Pecatonica Community Unit School
District 321
1300 Main St., Pecatonica, IL 61063
(815) 239-1639 | www.pecschools.com
Prairie Hill School District 133
14714 Willowbrook Rd.
South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-3301 | www.prairiehill.org
South Beloit Community Unit School
District 320
850 Hayes Ave., South Beloit, IL 61080
(815) 389-3478 | www.sb320.org
Rockford Public Schools District 205
501 7th St., Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 966-.3000 | www.rps205.com
Rockton School District 140
1050 E. Union St., Rockton, IL 61072
(815) 624-7143 | www.rockton140.org
Winnebago Community Unit School
District 323
304 E. McNair Rd., Winnebago, IL 61088
(815) 335-2456 |
www.winnebagoschools.org
Regional Private Schools
Boylan Catholic High School
4000 Saint Francis Dr., Rockford IL 61103
(815) 877-0531 | www.boylan.org
Keith Country Day School
1 Jacoby Pl., Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 399-8823 | www.keithschool.com
Rockford Christian Schools
1401 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 391-8000 |
www.rockfordchristian.org
Rockford Lutheran School
3411 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61114
(815) 877-9551 |
www.rockfordlutheran.org
Apprenticeship programs
Project First Rate
111 S. Madison St., Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 904-6833 | www.findyourtrade.org
Regional Higher Education Institutions
OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing
3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61114
(815) 282-7900 | www.osfhealthcare.org
Rock Valley College
3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61114
(815) 921-7821
www.rockvalleycollege.edu
Rockford Career College
1130 S. Alpine Rd., Ste. 100
Rockford, IL 61108
(888) 680-6682
www.rockfordcareercollege.edu
Rockford University
5050 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 226-4000 | www.rockford.edu
University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 395-0600
www.rockford.medicine.uic.edu