Rockford, Michigan

About Rockford

Rockford is a historic city, originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as Hopewell, Ottawa, and the Mascouten. An American, William Hunter, settled in the area and began building a sawmill and a dam on the west side of the Rogue River. Smith Lapham was later invited to help complete the sawmill in 1842, and Hunter paid him with 40 acres on the east side of the Rogue. Not much later, Hunter left the area. With his 40 acres, Lapham built his own sawmill, bringing in more settlers. With only a few homes in the area, it was soon named Laphamville. In 1856, it was plotted officially as Laphamville; however, nine years later, in 1865, a railroad company built a rail through the area and suggested changing the town’s name to something shorter. A recent mover from Illinois, suggested the name of his hometown in Illinois: Rockford. In 1866, it was officially renamed “the Village of Rockford.”

Demographics
With a population of 4,626 in a total of 3 square miles, Rockford is a bustling city. Rockford has a population density of 1,544.2 per square mile, and a total of 1,796 housing units. The population is 96.2% white, 1.51% Hispanic, 0.91% Asian, 0.61% African American, and 0.39% Native American. Out of 1,741 total households, 45.7% are married couples with children under the age of 18, 54.1% are married couples, 14.9% are female homeowners with no husband present, 27.9% are non-families, and 25.3% are households made up of individuals. 11.3% are residents above the age of 65. The average household size is 2.65, and the average family size is 3.21. The median household income is $50,562, and the average family income is $55,954. Rockford’s per capita income is $19,906. Only 8.1% of Rockford residents are below the poverty line.

Parks
Rockford offers the services of a number of parks for your enjoyment of the outdoors. Whether it’s a historic area such as the Rockford Dam Overlook, the recently renovated Rotary Park, or the beautiful Rogue River Nature Trail, Rockford has it all in parks. With ten parks in the city itself and several others in the surrounding area, Rockford has made certain that all lovers of the outdoors are welcome and at home in the city.

Schools
Rockford’s schools go back nearly 100 years to 1923, when they started their first school in a building that housed students K-12.  The first graduating class of 1935 was 41 students total. Over the years, the school expanded and grew. In 1953, Michigan began annexing smaller school districts into larger ones; Rockford annexed surrounding school districts such as Brownell, Rounds, and Dockeray Schools by 1966. By 1985, Rockford schools had expanded to include nine separate buildings and began offering adult courses, swimming, a driving school, and several sports programs. Now, Rockford has a total of 25 schools in its district, including early education and special education. Every one of these schools has received an “A” grade from the state of Michigan, and Blue Medal Ribbons have been awarded to each school—something that only one other school in the area has achieved. With a focus on excellence, Rockford schools are a great place for your child’s education.

Early Childhood Special Education, hosted at Meadow Ridge Elementary, is a program funded by Rockford Schools that pays special attention to each of its student’s individual needs. As a special education program, focus on each child is essential in order to help them progress to the developmental skills appropriate for their age, as well as specific goals and instruction. At 8100 Courtland Drive in Rockford, this Rockford Special Education program is one of Rockford’s many excellent school programs.

The Child Developmental Lab (CDL) is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 4 and is dedicated to presenting young children with the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity in a safe and secure environment. CDL works with the knowledge of child development to enhance your child’s education and provide the best environment for your child to learn. Located at the Rockford Schools Administration Building at 350 S Main Street, the Child Development Lab is a great place for your preschool child to develop lifelong learning habits.

Hola Amigos is Rockford’s preschool Spanish Immersion program. Hosted in the Rockford Schools Administration Building, Hola Amigos has the same amenities of a regular Rockford preschool with the addition of helping your child learn the Spanish language as well. Hola Amigos focuses on a safe environment for learning, and an extra focus on building a base for bilingualism in your child. Found at 350 S Main Street, Hola Amigos is the perfect way to allow your child all the learning opportunities possible.

Kinder Rich, located at 350 S Main Street in Rockford Schools Administration Building, is a kindergarten dedicated to a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for your child. With a wide variety of activities, numerous learning experiences, and available tools for your child to enjoy, Kinder Rich is a great place for exploring and discovering. Kinder Rich places great emphasis on what is important for your child’s social, intellectual, emotional and physical health, ensuring that your child gets the best education while still maintaining a balanced school day.

Montessori in Rockford School District employs Michigan’s “no child left behind” mentality by working at your child’s pace. With the belief that every child learns best by learning at his or her own pace, Montessori emphasizes the development of self-respect and confidence, respect for others, a love of learning, responsible decision-making, and concentration and focus. Montessori desires to provide your child with life-long skills, preparing them for future school years, as well as life beyond. Montessori is located at 350 S Main Street, hosted by Rockford Schools Administration Building.

Preschool Enrichment Care is employed by a skilled and nurturing staff year-round in order to provide your child with Rockford’s best preschool education. Rockford’s Preschool Enrichment Care promotes and focuses on healthy skill development in your child in order that they might lead healthy and fulfilling lives. With numerous activities and learning opportunities, Preschool Enrichment Care is the perfect place for your child to learn. Preschool Enrichment Care is located at 350 N Main Street in Rockford Schools Administration Building.

The Summer School Age program is located at 350 N Main Street in Rockford Schools Administration Building. This program offers school throughout the year as well as summer care, with numerous activities to keep your child occupied and learning on a daily basis. Offering programs and activities for students up to sixth grade, the Summer School Age program is not your average school. Dedicated to having a safe, secure, and stimulating learning environment, the Summer School Age program is highly affirmative to your student’s development and education.

The Community Education Preschool in Rockford is an excellent way to bring your child into the world of education and learning in a meaningful and stimulating way. This 35 year old education center is more than just a daycare—it’s a place for your child to learn in a great, safe environment. The Community Education Preschool encourages family involvement and your interaction with staff and teachers helps make your child’s education even more meaningful. Located at the Rockford Schools Administration Center at 350 N Main Street, The Community Education Preschool is an excellent place for your little student.

 

Elementary Schools

Belmont Elementary, located at 6097 Belmont Avenue, in Rockford School District is a K-5 school with a total of 348 students.  As with all Rockford Schools, Belmont Elementary is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has received several other awards, including an “A” grade from Education Yes!, full accreditation from AdvancED, and, in 1998-1999, the Character Education Special Emphasis Award. Belmont Elementary also offers a gifted and talented program for exceptional students.

Cannonsburg Elementary in Rockford School District is a K-5 school with a total of 250 students located at 4894 Sturgis Avenue. As evidence of its dedication to the success of its students, Cannonsburg Elementary is one of the Blue Ribbon Exemplary School in Rockford’s public school system. Cannonsburg Elementary also offers a library to its students, where literacy and learning are promoted.

Crestwood Elementary in Rockford School District is an elementary school with 31 professional teaching staff and 8 paraprofessionals to give your child the best elementary education possible. As one of the many excellent Rockford Schools, Crestwood Elementary is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School as well as an “A” grade from Education Yes! and full accreditation from AdvancED. Crestwood Elementary has events such as Globe Trotter Day in which students are encouraged to learn about diversity and other cultures in a day-long “trot” around the globe, and is located at 4894 Sturgis Avenue.

Lakes Elementary, located at 6849 Young Avenue, in Rockford School District is an elementary school with 31 teachers and other professional staff members to offer your child an opportunity for a great education. As with all Rockford Schools, Lakes Elementary is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School, an “A” grade from Education Yes!, and full accreditation from AdvancED. With a motto of “to learn, to lead, to serve,” Lakes Elementary is dedicated to giving your child a learning environment that focuses on the community and others as well as an education.

Meadow Ridge Elementary, with 620 students and 33 teachers, is an early education through 5th grade school located at 8100 Courtland Drive. Meadow Ridge Elementary, as well as all schools in Rockford’s school district, is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has received several other awards, including an “A” grade from Education Yes! and full accreditation from AdvancED. Meadow Ridge also offers a gifted and talented program for exceptional students and a library, where literacy and learning are highly encouraged.

Parkside Elementary is located just minutes away from Rockford’s downtown and has over 20 highly qualified staff members to make your child’s education the best. Located at 156 Lewis, Parkside Elementary is a Developmental Kindergarten through 5th grade school with 326 students. Parkside Elementary is also a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has also been awarded an “A” grade from Education Yes! and full accreditation from AdvancED.

Roguewood Elementary, located at 3900 Kroes, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 5th grade school with 650 students. Roguewood also has been Green Certified by the state of Michigan, has a Spanish Immersion program for your student to maintain a bilingual education, and Autistic (ASD) magnet programs. Roguewood Elementary is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has received several other awards, including full accreditation from AdvancED and an “A” grade from Education Yes!. Roguewood Elementary has a goal to prepare your student not only for the twenty-first century, but also for the world in a global context.

Valley View Elementary is located at 405 Summit and is a Developmental Kindergarten through 5th grade school with 625 students. Valley View Elementary places importance on student safety, important life skills, student achievement, good communication, and high parent involvement. Valley View Elementary, as a Rockford public school, is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School, an “A” grade from Education Yes!, and full accreditation from AdvancED.

 

Middle and High Schools

East Rockford Middle, located at 8615 Nine Mile Road, is a 6-8 school with 930 students and over 60 teachers and staff. With high parent involvement and numerous academic opportunities, co-curricular activities, and after-school programs, East Rockford Middle is an excellent choice for your student’s education. As with all Rockford Schools, East Rockford Middle is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has been further awarded an “A” grade from Education Yes! and full accreditation from AdvancED.

North Rockford Middle is a 6-8 school with 847 students and 58 dedicated teachers. With numerous elective courses available for your child, North Rockford Middle has many excellent opportunities for your child to learn in a stimulating environment. As a Rockford public school, North Rockford Middle is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School and has received several other awards, including an “A” grade from Education Yes! and full accreditation from AdvancED. North Rockford Middle is located at 397 E Division.

The Freshman Center for Rockford High is located at 4500 Kroes and is a transition center for freshman students planning to attend Rockford High School’s 10-12 school. The Freshman Center is dedicated to easing your student’s transition from the middle school environment to a high school environment. As a Rockford School, the Freshman Center also has a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School award as well as several others.

Rockford High School is committed to excellence inside and outside of the education setting. Located at 4100 Kroes, Rockford High offers state and nationally recognized fine arts programs, club and intramural organizations, and 35 athletic opportunities. Sporting 31 state championships, Rockford High also has a large campus, hosts Rockford’s community garden, and offers many opportunities for students to serve their community and others. The Rockford Rams are a traditional mascot in the area, and have rallied much support for their Blue Ribbon Exemplary School.

River Valley Academy is located at 350 N Main Street in the Rockford Schools Administration Building and is an alternative high school opportunity. River Valley prides itself in creating an alternative environment for your student to learn while still providing the same excellent education required for Rockford Schools.