History of Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois was settled around 1835 by four men who came from Galena. Lewis Lemon, Germanicus Kent and, Thatcher Blake established on the west bank of the Rock River in Rockford, Illinois. Daniel Shaw Haight founded a settlement on the east bank of the Rock River in Rockford, Illinois. Lewis Lemon was a former slave who bought his freedom but ended up staying in the area as a truck driver. For a short time, Rockford, Illinois was actually named Midway due to being halfway between Galena and Chicago, Illinois. However, soon became known as Rockford, Illinois due to the great ford across the Rock River. Rockford, Illinois was incorporated as a villing in 1839 and later established as a chartered city in 1852.
Rockford's first published weekly newspaper started in 1840 and Rockford's first successful daily newspaper started around 1877. For forty years (1890-1930), Rockford, Illinois had 3 daily newspapers. Before becoming Rockford College in 1892, the Rockford College was actually the Rockford Female Seminary and was chartered in 1847. In Rockford, Illinois the Rockford College became fully coeducational in 1958. Former First Lady, Jane Addams was one of the most notable graduates from Rockford College, Jane was class of 1881. Jane Addams of Rockford, Illinois's Rockford College was the founder of Chicago's Hull House and received in Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.
Rockford Mass Transit
Rockford, Illinois's Rockford Mass Transit District provides paratransit and fixed route services to the Village of Machesney Park and it the cities of Loves Park and Rockford, Illinois. The Rockford Mass Transit has 39 buses operating over 17 Rockford Area routes Monday thru Sunday.
Greater Rockford Airport (RFD)
For most of its history the Chicago/Rockford International Airport has been know as RFD or even Greater Rockford Airpot. The Chicago/Rockford International Airport services the Rockford area with daily non-stop flights to major cities throughout the United States. RFD also offers seasonal vacation flights to international destinations.
Currently the Greater Rockford Airport has flights to Albuquerque, Alliance, Anchorage, Aspen, Austin, Billings, Bismarck, Boise, Bozeman, Burbank, Calgary, Cancun, Casper, Cheyenne, Clearwater, Cody, ColoradoSprings, Denver, Dickinson, DodgeCity, Durango, Edmonton, ElPaso, Eugene, Farmington, FortLauderdale, Fresno, Ft.Worth, GardenCity, Gillette, GrandJunction, GreatFalls, Gunnison, Hayden, Hays, Honolulu, Houston, IdahoFalls, JacksonHole, Kearney, Laramie, LasVegas, Liberal, LosAngeles, Medford, Missoula, Monterey/Carmel, Montrose, NewOrleans, NorthPlatte, Oakland, OklahomaCity, Ontario, Orlando, PalmSprings, Pasco, Phoenix, Phoenix-Mesa, Pierre, Portland, PuertoVallarta, RapidCity, Reno, Riverton, RockSprings, Rockford, Sacramento, SaltLakeCity, SanAntonio, SanDiego, SanFrancisco, SanJose, SanJoseCabo, SantaAna, SantaBarbara, SantaFe, Scottsbluff, Seattle, Spokane, Tucson, Tulsa, Vail/Eagle, Vancouver, Wichita and Worland.
Rockford Sports
Rockford, Illinois is home to many sports teams that are great for bringing the family to. Instead of fighting the Chicago traffic, paying for the expensive Chicago sports tickets, you can bring your family to a local Rockford, Illinois sporting event and it won't break the bank! Rockford, Illinois is home to the Rockford Ice Hogs, Rockford Speedway, Rockford Riverhawks, Rockford Thunder, Rockford Rams, Rockford Chariots and the Rockford Fury.
Rockford News
Rockford, Illinois has many area news sources. Rockford, Illinois is home to area newspaper publications that report Rockford, Illinois area news and report national news directly from the Associated Press (AP) news service.
The Rockford Register Star is the Rockford, Illinois' area's primary daily newspaper. The Rockford Register Star began after the merger of The Register Republic and The Morning Star. In April 2007, The former owner Gannett announced it was selling the Rockford Register Star to Fairport, New York-based GateHouse Media.
As of September, 2006, the newspaper's Sunday circulation was down to 70,300 -- the 163rd largest in the United States.
The Rockford Register Star's general format is same as most of the newspapers around the nation. The Rockford Register Star contains news from the Associated Press and some local Rockford, Illinois area news.
Rockford Dentists
Rockford, Illinois is home to many talented professional dental professionals. Rockford Dentists provide the highest quality services for: Bonding & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Insurance, Dental Laboratory, Dentures, Emergency Care, Emergency Service, Endodontics (root canal), General Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Pedodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontist, Teeth Whitening and TMJ Disorders.
Rock River Times
The Rock River Times is Rockford, Illinois secord largest newspaper. The Rock River Times is part of the Illinois Press Association and has a circulation of around 22,000 FREE papers around the Rockford, Illinois area. Unlike other large area Rockford Newspapers, the Rock River Times thrives at providing an objective non bias view at the Rockford, Illinois area. Also unlike other large Rockford, Illinois newspapers The Rock River Times is a voice of the community providing views from the "left, right and center" which has been the hallmark of the Rock River Times of Rockford, Illinois. Despite the open objectiveness of the paper, it does have an editorial agenda. The Rock River Time's agenda is the continuing fight for Rockford, Illinois historical preservation, preserving the richness of the Rockford, Illinois area cultures, fairness and loyalty in commerce and strives at protecting the environment, the use of alternative fuels and true and affordable justice in Rockford, Illinois courts.
Rockford Schools
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Belvidere School District
1201 5th Avenue
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Phone: 8155440301
Belvidere schools are part of school district #100. Belvidere schools challenge their students with high expectations in their academics, and provide them with the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities, including student council, chorus, and a full athletics program. There are two area high schools, which are Belvidere High School and Belvidere North High School. The School district also includes two middle schools, Central & South Middle Schools. Caledonia, Kishwaukee, Lincoln, Meehan, Perry, Seth Whitman, & Washington Elementary schools make up the seven elementary schools in the Belvidere area. There is also one early childhood program located in the Boone County Center that is offered to assist in jumpstarting children’s education.
Byron School District
696 Colfax
Byron, Illinois 61010
Phone: 8152345491
Fax: 815234-4106
Schools located in Byron, Illinois include Bryon High School, Byron Middle School, and Mary Morgan Elementary Schools; these schools are in the C.U.S.D. #226. Byron is lucky to have one of the most modern sports facilities in the area, and with that, Byron is able to compete in the top levels against their competitors within the range of sports Byron offers. Byron has had very successful basketball, volleyball, & football programs that date all the way back to the 1999 Division 3A Football Champions. Not only do they pride themselves on their athletics, but they also take the academics very seriously. Just this year the W.Y.S.E. team is headed to the University of Illinois to participate in the State Tournament.
Galena Schools
1206 North Frank Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
The Galena area has three different schools in which to educate the younger generations. These schools include, Galena Primary School, Galena Middle School, & Galena High School. Home to the Pirates, Galena offers a comprehensive range of courses for academics, a diverse group of activities, & a wide variety of athletics. Whether the students are working hard in the classroom, or out on the playing field, Galena High School is dedicated to being rooted to tradition, believes firmly in continuous improvement, & is very proud of all the growth they have made over the years. Galena is a town known for its tourism and farming, which often provides many opportunities for the students to take an active part in the community. The main aspiration of the Galena Schools is to assist students in their journey through school to equip them with the skills and abilities necessary to become successful.
Harlem School District
8605 N. 2nd Street
Machesney Park, Illinois 61115
Phone: 8156544500
Fax: 8156544600
Harlem is home to the Harlem Huskies, and is part of school district #122, which has approximately 7750 students. There are several schools included in the Harlem school district, which are Harlem High School, Harlem Middle School, eight elementary schools that include Loves Park, Machesney, Maple, Marquette, Olson Park, Ralston, Rock Cut, & Winsdor Elementary Schools & there is also The Parker early Learning Center for the education of early childhood. Harlem competes in the NIC-9 conference, which includes 21 sports. They have a gym fully equipped with three full size basketball courts, and five volleyball courts. Students and staff can also utilize the fitness and training center along with the pool facilities. On top of the many athletic activities, there are many non-athletic organizations to participate in as well, such as music and drama. Students have a variety of programs available to help them succeed in school and life. Harlem believes in a strong partnership to develop students’ the full potential of their skills and knowledge that will prepare them for life.
North Boone Schools
17641 Poplar Grove Road Suite A
Poplar Grove, Illinois 61065
Phone: 8157653322
Fax: 8157652053
There are six schools within the North Boone School District #200, which are Capron, Manchester, Poplar Grove, & North Boone Elementary Schools, North Boone Middle School, & North Boone High School. These schools all take part in actively educating the youth in all areas of academics & giving them the opportunities to participate in organizations & athletics that will help them to succeed throughout their futures. The North Boone schools focus on partnering with family & the community to offer the best learning environment for the students to reach their maximum potential & eventually be ready for all of life’s challenges.
Oregon Schools
210 S 10th Street
Oregon, Illinois 61061
Oregon schools make up the district #220. The schools in the O.C.U.S.D. focus on creating a safe and caring environment for their students to learn, and emulate their full potential. They also expect academic achievement and want the students to become efficient members of society. There are 1800 students that attend the Oregon schools & the schools that are part of District #220 are Oregon High School, Blackhawk Junior High School, Etnyre Middle School, & Jefferson Elementary School. Oregon schools have improved their athletic facilities within the last several years, and this enables the students to participate in many athletic activities. In the year 2001, Oregon was proud to be Wrestling State Champs, and hope to do well in the future. Aside from sporting events, students have many programs that help to achieve academic excellence.
Pecatonica Schools
1300 Main Street, P.O box 419
Pecatonica, Illinois 61063
Phone: 815-239-1639
Fax: 815-239-2125
Pecatonica Schools are part of the School District #321. There are three schools that make up the Pecatonica School District, which are Pecatonica High School, Pecatonica community Middle School, and Pecatonica Elementary School. These schools push their students to excel in that they do, and they strive to offer many opportunities for students to experience success. The 960 students that attend Pecatonica District schools are able to participate in an all-around academic program & get involved in a broad range of athletic activities. Pecatonica just recently built a new High School in the year 2002, which has enabled them to grow and expand a lot in the last few years. Since Pecatonica is a farming community, one of their most popular extra curricular activities to join is the FFA, which is the Future Farmer’s of America Association. This is just one way for students at Pecatonica Schools to develop skills that prepare them for all of life’s experiences.
Rockford Schools
Rockford, Illinois
Website: Click Here
Rockford Public Schools are part of the school district #205. The Rockford Public Schools are committed to providing an excellent education to their diverse group of students, by preparing them to compete in a global marketplace, to succeed in future educational experiences, and to contribute to society. The goal is for the 28,000 students that attend Rockford Public Schools to partner with their families and the community to take advantage of opportunities that they come across. Within the school district there are 38 elementary schools that provide a good foundation for learning, theme schools with specialized programs, seven middle schools, & four high schools that offer core courses and electives to prepare the students for college, & there is also an alternative high school made available for students who may have different needs. Upon these levels of education, there are also gifted programs for students to become talented in music, dance, theater, and fine arts & Bilingual programs are available. Special education programs & Occupational/Physical Therapy are also offered to assist their education. There is also an After School Achievement Program (ASAP), that gives the students a chance to get involved in fun & safe activities in all areas such as academics, social activities, and recreational activities. Rockford Public schools have the advantage to be able to use Rockford area’s parks, museums, theaters, athletic facilities to host events and activities year round.
Roscoe & Rockton Schools
307 Salem Street
Rockton, Illinois 61072
Phone: 8156245010
Kinnikinnick Schools located in Roscoe, IL which is part of the school district #131 are a combination of four small country schools that offer personal attention with a small school environment. The schools want to provide the students with an environment to develop their full potential to become responsible and compassionate citizens. The different schools are the K-3 schools; Ledgewood & Stone Creek, grades 4-5 go to Kinnikinnick, and then Roscoe middle school is 6-8. Once students are ready to go onto high school, Kinnikinnick is coordinated with Hononegah high school to continue their education. Hononegah serves the school district #207, which covers communities such as Rockton, Roscoe, and other surrounding cities. Hononegah is home to the Hononegah Indians. Hononegah students go to Hononegah high School and can participate in many academic & athletic activities, as well as several non-athletic clubs and organizations. Students at Hononegah are promoted by faculty and staff members to gain opportunities to develop lifelong skills for a sustained quality of life
Winnebago Schools
304 East McNair Road
Winnebago, Illinois 61088
Phone: 815-335-2456
Fax: 815-335-7574
Winnebago is part of the CUSD #323, and is home to the Winnebago Indians. The schools that make up the Winnebago School District are Winnebago High School, Winnebago Middle School, Jean McNair & Dorothy Simon Elementary Schools, & Seward School (Pre-K & K). Winnebago Schools want to provide an education for their students to reach their full potential in life. In the year 1999, a new high school was built which also provided a new full size gymnasium. Winnebago sports have done very well in the last few years. Their boys’ basketball team was 2nd in state two years in a row, 2004 & 2005. The cross country team is also well known for their repeated appearances and top placements in the state tournament. Just recently, in 2007, the Winnebago Band was recognized nationally on the Ellen Degeneres Show. As you can see, Winnebago offers a variety of academic and athletic activities for students to participate in, that helps prepare students to be a vital part of the community in their future.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Calvary Baptist Christian School
1637 Seventh Avenue
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Phone: 815-544-2999
Each of these private schools located in Belvidere, IL are committed to providing personal attention to each student to develop the capabilities to face life’s challenges with the right attitudes, in order to succeed. The schools each present the students with a challenging curriculum, & a variety of different athletics and activities that jump start students involvement in social environments and in the community.
Immanuel Lutheran School
1225 E. Second Street
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Phone: 815-547-5346
Each of these private schools located in Belvidere, IL are committed to providing personal attention to each student to develop the capabilities to face life’s challenges with the right attitudes, in order to succeed. The schools each present the students with a challenging curriculum, & a variety of different athletics and activities that jump start students involvement in social environments and in the community.
Keith School
1 Jacoby Place
Rockford, Illinois 61107
Phone: 815-399-8823
Keith School is one of the top college preparatory schools in the area. It expects their students to go above and beyond learning their academics, by challenging them with leadership experiences, athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, student-generated clubs, community service requirements, and senior projects that offer educational opportunities outside of the classroom.
Spectrum Schools
2909 N. Main
Rockford, Illinois 61103
Phone: 815-877-1600
Fax: 815-877-1685
Spectrum is a progressive school in the Rockford area that provides a different style of learning for multiple age groups. They believe in a lifelong learning process, and they realize that there are many different ways for a child to learn, and that each child has their own unique method to optimize their learning capabilities. Spectrum School uses a curriculum that provides the students with social interactions and hands-on learning techniques that help them to progress at their own pace. Spectrum offers classes for ages preschool through ninth grade. Spectrum is a great school where kids can develop skills & talents that will prepare them to excel in all they do.
St. James Elementary
320 Logan Avenue
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Phone: 815-547-7633
Each of these private schools located in Belvidere, Illinois are committed to providing personal attention to each student to develop the capabilities to face life’s challenges with the right attitudes, in order to succeed. The schools each present the students with a challenging curriculum, & a variety of different athletics and activities that jump start students involvement in social environments and in the community.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
Boylan Catholic School
4000 Saint Francis Drive
Rockford, Illinois 61103
Phone: 815-877-0531
Fax: 815-877-2544
Boylan, home to the Titans, is one of Rockford area schools that belongs to the Rockford Diocese, and operates as a non-profit organization. Boylan provides many opportunities for the enrolled students. The school is equipped with several athletic facilities, an Arts & Science Complex, a Music center, a swimming facility, a chapel, a state of the art auditorium, a 3210-seat gymnasium, & the academic buildings. Boylan received the Blue Ribbon School Award from the US Department of Education, which is the highest award an American high school can achieve. This award recognizes excellence in teaching, student achievement, leadership, and parental involvement in the nation's most successful schools. Boylan participates in the NIC-9 conference, and has 22 boys’ and girls’ teams along with cheerleading and dance teams. Each year Boylan is very successful in athletics, in just 2005 there were five state bound teams, and several other conference championships. Not only does Boylan excel in athletics, but Boylan also offers a broad range of academic programs that give the students every opportunity to pursue the career path of their choice. There is about 95% who continue their education in college, and each year Boylan is awarded approximately $7,884,955 for scholarships. All in all, Boylan offers exceptional education along with social activities, clubs & organizations, & athletics that all attribute to each students success.
Christian Life
5950 Spring Creek Rd
Rockford, Illinois 61114
Phone: 815-877-8000
Christian Life Schools are dedicated to providing students with an education that is based on Christ-centered Academic Excellence. Christian life has a preschool/daycare, an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Their mascot is the Christian Life Eagle. Christian Life partners with the community and the parents to give the students the opportunities that will help them succeed in life. Christian life offers a wide array of subjects for academics, there have been additions made to better accommodate the students’ needs, and they have excellent facilities for after school activities whether they be sporting events, or any of the other extra-curricular activities offered by Christian life schools. There are about 1300 students that attend Christian life, and each student has the opportunity to become an all around developed person, by increasing academic & physical skills, and also deepening their spiritual & emotional connections
Rockford Christian
1404 N. Bell School Rd
Rockford, Illinois 61107
Phone: 815-399-3465
Fax: 815-391-8004
Rockford Christian is the home of the Royal Lions, and there are approximately 500 students that attend RCHS. At Rockford Christian the goal is to give the students every aspect of an educational experience by developing academically, athletically, through the arts, and also through social events. RCHS is a private, nondenominational school that offers many opportunities for their students to reach their full God-given potential. Rockford Christian challenges their students to know Christ as Lord, and apply His truth in all facets of life. Aside from academic opportunities, there are many different athletic options to choose from, and there are 18 sports in Rockford Christian high School, about 15 programs in the junior high level, and then Rockford Christian elementary school offers 21 sports teams. They are part of the Indian Trails conference, and compete with many schools in the Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin area, whether public or private. Rockford Christian partners with parents and the community to provide their students with a diverse educational environment, and many opportunities for students to excel in life.
Rockford Lutheran
3411 North Alpine Rd
Rockford, Illinois 61114
Phone: 815-877-9551
Fax: 815-877-4024
Rockford Lutheran schools offer students a quality Christian education to kids starting from Pre-K to 12th grade. Students are able to achieve their full potential through valuing academics, and participating in the numerous athletic and activity programs. Rockford Lutheran is a cooperative ministry school working between the home and congregation to encourage growth in every aspect of the student’s life. There are always challenges and opportunities throughout life, and Rockford Christian wants to be a vital part in getting their students prepared to take on those challenges with a foundation of valid learning. Rockford Lutheran has three schools, which include Luther Academy at Alpine for students Pre-K to 6th grade, Luther Academy at Gloria Dei for students K-6th grade, and Lutheran Junior/High School for students from 6th -12th grades. Rockford Christian is open to all different religions, and wants to provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to grow, learn, and share in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. The students have the options to take many different types of courses, and also get involved in several extra-curricular activities. Rockford Lutheran is very dedicated to ensuring that their students will get all they possibly can out of their education to get them ready for the next stages of life.
