Rockford Private Schools (Chicago, Geneva, Roscoe: environment, property taxes, budget)

[MovingBack243]

Hi, I am moving to Rockford in the next 6-12 months and my son will be going into 3rd grade. Schools are my first priority when deciding where to live and I have found that there is still too much improvement needed to the public schools so I am opting for private.

I want to know which private elementary schools are considered to be top notch, with high parental involvement, small class sizes and excellent academics (not just a little above state/national avg). I know there are a ton of catholic elementary schools but I don't know which ones are considered 'the best' and the other 2 I have found are Rockford Lutheran and Christian Life. Any thoughts on the overall community perspective on these private schools? I have also heard about Keith Country Day but I can't find any info about tuition which usually means it's outrageous but I open to learning more about it. Thanks!

[dupagemove]

Check out Rockford Christian. Excellent reputation! If you do go public, I would check out Prairie Hill (Roscoe I think). The tuition at Keith is pretty high, I'm thinking $9,000 a year, but I'm not sure about that. The other two schools you mentioned are worth looking into, I just think Rockford Christian is probably better. Also, remember when you move to stay Northeast! There are parts of Rockford that are simply not safe (and parts that are).
Hope this helps!!!

[Jeff Hill]

I can concur that Rockford Christian has the best reputation of all the private schools in Rockford.
Not sure what you budget is on your new home but there are some VERY nice properties in Rockford on National Blvd, which is on the river.

Good Luck

[3girls&atraveler]

I agree with checking into Prairie Hill School. You can live in Roscoe or some parts of South Beloit. Spectrum School is a non religious school with a multiple learning approach to their curriculum. Keith is 10,000/ yr. Spectrum is about 6,000.

[karlsch]

Private schools are sometimes a good idea in Rockford. Particular public schools to avoid:
Rockford high schools ‘dropout factories’ - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Rockford scores fall; high schools lowest in region - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Auburn freshmen will be searched after stabbing on campus - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

[HOWELL_STREET]

"RESA" - - "Rockford Environmental Science Academy" (sp?) is also another school that I would like to suggest. I don't know if it is a private school, though. And I don't know whether it is a high school or grammar(?).

I mention this school because my oldest son did a month internship there towards his Norhtern Illinois University "Master of Education" degree.

However, at the moment, I cannot query him regarding 'private school vs. public school', etc.

If you have an interest, look for it through a Google search.

Carter Glass

[MovingBack243]

Thanks for the info. I grew up in Geneva so we never had a problem with public schools and having to pick a private school without ever living in a town is nerve racking. I will definately check into Rockford Christian. Is this the same as Christian Life? I have also spoken to the director of the gifted program in the public schools and I have to say I am rather mad to know that the school district doesn't fund this program enough and gifted children are turned away because the program is facing budget cuts. My son will be tested to see if he can get into this program and I will be really peeved if he qualifies and there is no room. I think its insane that I would have to pay $5,000/year to send my son to private school (because public is sub par) AND pay property taxes to a school district that doesn't have room to place him in a program for his needs.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by MovingBack243

I will definately check into Rockford Christian. Is this the same as Christian Life?

Nope, they're two different schools. Here are their websites: Rockford Christian Schools - Home and Christian Life Schools.

[MovingBack243]

Thank you. Does anyone recommend any of the Catholic schools? I am very interested in Boylan for when my son reaches high school but what about elementary Catholic Schools? I spoke with someone at St. Rita's, any thoughts on what the reputation of this school is? There isn't any info online about the Catholic elementaries in Rockford or how they compare to each other.

[bbbbecky]

After living in Dallas, Philly, Chicago and Kohler, we found ourselves in Rockford beginning in 1998. Our oldest child was in first grade at the time - he's now a sophomore. Our kids have had a great educational experience in the Rockford Lutheran system and we have made a point of staying in Rockford to continue that.

99% of RLS students test at grade level or above, with the average student testing several grades above the grade in which they're currently enrolled. We have a wealth of extracurriculars and I can honestly say that my kids are growing up to be nice young adults. Rockford Lutheran's facilities aren't as great as I would like, but what goes on in the buildings is fabulous. If you haven't decided on a school already, please check them out. I started the kids at a different school before discovering Rockford Lutheran, but thankfully I did!