Life

RPS 205 Culture

We are #RPS205PROUD at Rockford Public Schools. We are creating a culture where staff, students, families and our community can be proud to claim, support and call home.

We're focused on our workplace culture and celebrating our values, and we're telling our stories on the 205 VIBE. 

205 Vibe

The 205 VIBE is a great way for staff to use their voice. Staff share stories on this multimedia platform about what is happening in their classroom and at their school, learn from each other and our community, and celebrate student and staff success. The 205 VIBE also features shoutouts for staff to celebrate when they're living the values. This tool unites our 41 schools and dozens of programs into one collaborative community and district.

Living the Values has quickly become our unofficial motto! We have 4 core values that we pride ourselves on incorporating into our daily lives.  

Continuous Improvement

Focus on Growth

Collaboration

Work Together

Communication

Accessible & Responsive

Character

Students First

Cost of Living

Rockford's cost of living is 10% below the national average. That means your dollar will go much farther in Rockford than in many other cities. To compare the cost of living between cities, check out this cost of living calculator.

Cost of Living Calculator

What Rockford has to Offer

Rockford’s nickname is The Forest City. That’s appropriate for the home of Rock Cut State Park, but we have more than trees. Take a closer look... 

Explore Rockford’s cultural and historical landmarks, like Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Arboretum, Tinker Swiss Cottage, the Laurent House and Burpee Museum of Natural History. We’re also home of the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick!

Family Fun

Rockford is a great place to raise a family. It’s home to the Riverfront Museum Campus with three museums in one spot. The award-winning Discovery Center Museum has more than 250 hands-on children’s exhibits, and be sure to visit Jane the T-Rex at Burpee Museum of Natural History before stopping by the Rockford Art Museum. In the summer, visit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, one of the nation’s largest public water parks. The Rockford Park District has events and attractions open year-round. It’s among the best in the nation, earning the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park & Recreation from the National Recreation and Park Association!

People in swimming pools

Downtown Bridge

Downtown

Downtown Rockford is home to colorful murals, local restaurants, shops, bars and two breweries – plus the beautiful Coronado Performing Arts Center and the Rockford IceHogs, a minor-league hockey team affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks. On Friday afternoons, stop by City Market to meet Rockford’s local makers, crafters and artisans under one pavilion roof – and enjoy craft beer and local musicians.

Rockford Eats

What food do you like? We have it in Rockford. We pride ourselves on locally owned restaurants unique to Rockford that cover all categories of dining – dozens of pizza spots, quick bites, vegan friendly and fine Italian cuisine. Don’t worry, we have your favorite chains here, too.

Rockford's Coffee Shop

Want to learn more about Rockford?

Check out Go Rockford