Student Programs
Special Programs
Maria Montessori at Marsh
Our Maria Montessori program provides self-guided learning experiences to students in pre-k through eighth grade.
Learn more about Montessori and how to join the family
STEAM Academy at Haskell
Haskell welcomes K-5 students from all over the district who are interested in a STEAM education. The STEAM Academy at Haskell integrates science and technology, interpreted through engineering and the arts, all based in mathematical elements.
Learn more about STEAM and how to join the family
Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour
Our two-way language immersion program lets kindergarten through eighth grade students learn and grow in a bilingual environment.
Learn more about Two-Way Language Immersion and how to join the family
Gifted Academy
Rockford students may qualify for the Gifted Academy in kindergarten, and eligibility tests are administered every year for new applicants in subsequent grade levels.
- Learn more about the Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall Elementary (grades 1-4) and how to join the family
- Learn more about the Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall School (grades 5-8) and how to join the family
- Learn more about the Gifted Academy at Auburn High School and how to join the family
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
All Rockford students have access to quality fine arts programs, and our creative and performing arts (CAPA) middle and high schools encourage older students to further explore these areas.
- Learn more about CAPA at West Middle School and how to join the family
- Learn more about CAPA at Auburn High School and how to join the family
21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
RPS 205 offers the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program at 16 schools. The program is run with several community partners including the Rockford Park District, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Discovery Center and Burpee Museum of Natural History.
Find information about our sites, enroll your students and additional details.
Summer Programs
Summer CAMP
This federally-funded CAMP is offered in July to help kindergarten through seventh graders in Title I schools improve their reading and math skills. Students with the greatest academic needs receive first priority.
Summer Retreats
The RPS 205 Improvement and Innovation Department collaborates with community partners to offer a variety of free and hands-on learning experiences for students in grades K-12. The June and August summer retreats are offered on a first-come basis. These non-credit programs are funded by federal and state grants and staffed by RPS 205 teachers and community partners.
Rockford ReFRESH
The Rockford ReFRESH program ensures students are ready for high school. The program helps students build skills to transition from eighth grade to ninth grade. Students who need additional support in math, reading and writing are referred to the program by their middle school administration. Attendance is required.
Credit Recovery
Credit Recovery is a tuition-based program to assist high school students in recovering credits from a previously failed course. Illinois-certified teachers who are highly qualified in the subject area teach the courses. Courses are limited to students who require the course for graduation. Students may enroll in one or two courses during the summer program. Attendance is mandatory.
GED Program
Roosevelt Community Education Center offers an Adult Education Program to help its students prepare for the GED (General Educational Development) test.
Innovative Learning Center
Rockford Public Schools offers a program to help nontraditional learners graduate from high school. The Innovative Learning Center provides a rigorous, standards-based curriculum that is aligned to Common Core and Illinois Learning Standards. The program includes social skills curriculum, post-secondary preparation and is customized to meet the specific needs of the district and its students. Students are referred to the Innovative Learning Center.