ROCHESTER, IL – The U.S. News & World Report ‘Best High School” rankings named Rochester High School the #2 Best High School in the Springfield metro area. The report also named the school the 152nd best in the state of Illinois. This notable achievement reflects the school and district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
“This recognition reaffirms our district’s dedication to academic excellence and student success. At Rochester High School, we are proud to provide a balanced approach to education that papers our students for their next chapters,” said Dan W. Cox, Superintendent of Schools.
According to the report, Rochester High School’s current graduation rate is 95%. Because students can take AP coursework and exams, they’re better prepared for the next level of education when they graduate.
"That outstanding percentage of students graduating is happening in part because of our exceptional staff. We have a 93% retention rate among our staff which means that our students are getting consistency in their education," said Jeff Reed, Rochester High School Principal.
The U.S. News & World Report ranking is based on several factors, including state-required tests, graduation rates, and college readiness. Rochester High School's rankings underscore its balanced approach to education. The school ranked #107 on the College Readiness Index, indicating that a significant number of students meet college entrance requirements. Additionally, it ranked #193 on the College Curriculum Breadth Index, demonstrating the wide range of academic opportunities available to students.
“These rankings reflect our commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring every student has access to outstanding teachers and the tools they need to thrive,” Cox said.
Rochester High School also performed well in state assessments, ranking #149 in State Assessment Proficiency and #500 in State Assessment Performance, reflecting the school's ability to maintain high standards in standardized testing. The school's #141 ranking on the Graduation Rate Index further underscores its success in guiding students to complete their high school education.
These rankings highlight Rochester High School's excellence across multiple domains, emphasizing its role in preparing students for college and beyond. As the school celebrates these accomplishments, it remains focused on providing a high-quality education and continuing to support its students on their academic journeys.
You can view the entire report on Rochester High School here.