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Randy Taylor

Submitted by Rockford Christian Schools

“To challenge young people to know Christ as Lord, apply God’s truth to all areas of life, love others sacrificially and achieve the highest level of knowledge and skill in order to serve God and others.”

Rockford Christian Schools provides a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education for students prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. As the largest independent, non-denominational Christian school in the region, its student body represents nearly 130 area churches and 23 denominations.

It is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, the North Central Association, and the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation, and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.

State-certified faculty members have an average of 15 years of classroom experience, and 37 percent hold advanced degrees. “Rockford Christian has a committed and caring group of teachers that want to make a difference in the lives of their students,” says Randy Taylor, superintendent. “Each one seeks to educate in body, soul, mind and spirit.”

Rockford Christian students routinely score well above grade level: primary and intermediate, two to three levels above; middle schoolers, three to five above; and high schoolers test at post-high school levels in most learning disciplines. The average Rockford Christian Honors ACT score is 28.3, well above both state and national averages. Of its graduates, 99 percent attend college.

Rockford Christian curriculum includes a college preparatory program, gifted enrichment and honors programs, 15 Advanced Placement courses, dual-credit college courses, and many academic and extra-curricular clubs and organizations. The school recently added Mandarin Chinese to its foreign language program.

Students have access to cutting-edge tools, with a state-of-the-art Science and Technology Center; a distance learning auditorium; five computer labs; and five science labs, including a special “dirty” lab for large-project construction and robotics; and integrated technology and SMART Boards in all classrooms. The school also boasts two libraries, three art studios, a performance stage, three gymnasiums, lighted football stadium and soccer field, eight-lane all-weather track, full-service weight training facility, and baseball and softball fields.

Rockford Christian faculty and staff partner with students and their families in the educational process. “Parents make a huge impact on our team-oriented environment,” says Taylor. “From the classroom to the playground, parents are on the scene.”

Rockford Christian teaches that biblical truths guide behavior and decision-making. Students take part in daily Bible classes and prayer time and attend weekly chapel, and they practice real-world applications of their spiritual lessons through community service projects, yearly mission trips and other service programs.

Through biblical integration in its Christ-centered academics and activities, Rockford Christian prepares students for responsibility to themselves, others and their community.

Rockford Christian Schools at a glance

Rockford Christian Schools’ primary/intermediate campus is at 220 Hemlock Lane. The junior/senior high school is at 1401 Bell School Road, Rockford. Rockford Christian Schools can be reached at (815) 399-3465 or online at rockfordchristian.org ^[2].

Rockford Christian Schools was founded in 1960 and offers pre-K through 12th grade. Enrollment is 1,240 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. Tuition is from $1,270 for pre-K to $6,588 for high school. Tuition assistance is available. Dress code for students is uniforms. The athletic teams compete in the Big Northern Conference. Sports include the following:

Boys and girls — Basketball, bowling, golf, swimming, soccer, cross country, track and tennis;

Boys — Football, baseball and bass fishing; and

Girls — Softball, diving, dance, cheerleading and volleyball.

From the Feb. 27-March 5, 2013, issue