A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
ON MISSION TOGETHER
Community is at the center of our work at Rockford Christian and one of the main reasons students, parents, and faculty report returning to RC year after year. As I think about our core value to be “Community Minded,” you can very clearly see it written on the hearts, hands, and minds of the students, faculty, and faithful supporters of RC.
Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, our community spent time together, nurtured hearts together, celebrated achievements together, served together, and gave together. God has knit us together for His mission at Rockford Christian School for such a time as this.
Together, we cultivate biblically minded scholars who serve God to their greatest potential and impact the world for Christ. Our work matters in the greater scheme of eternity and as we near the 65th anniversary of Rockford Christian, I remain forever grateful of the Lord’s faithfulness in our story, your unwavering commitment to this mission, and the lives impacted for His glory. I pray you see our Kingdom work in the pages that follow and are blessed by the evidence of all we are doing - together.
- Dr. Jahna Duda, Head of School
CULTIVATING MINDS TOGETHER
For more than 60 years, Rockford Christian has focused on nurturing the hearts and minds of students. Christ-centered curriculum provides a biblical worldview, encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of truth. Faculty establish foundations for growth at the earliest grades, build upon them throughout students' most formative teenage years, and walk alongside future RC alumni as they discover the purpose that God has intended for them.
"A Rockford Christian education equipped me with the skills I use daily in my role as a Recovery Home Specialist for Adolescents," says Rebecca Theisen '19, who recently graduated in the top six of her class at Marian University. "Prayer is a huge aspect of these recovery processes, and I am grateful that RC helped me focus on my own faith and beliefs so that I can help clients better understand and process some of their own."
2,181 HS graduates
SHAPING HEARTS TOGETHER
From our youngest scholars to our graduating senior class, building relationships and trust continues to be foundational to students' spiritual development. Growing in their understanding of God, Royal Lions contributed to prayer and worship in chapel and participated in service opportunities. With the addition of classroom “Connections” each week, students were discipled in their faith, reaffirmed commitments to Christ, and encouraged new believers in decisions of salvation.
"Hundreds of lives were impacted as Royal Lions showed their love for God, for our city, and for people far beyond the Rockford area by giving back through over 30 service projects. To see the student body living out the RC mission to serve God and to impact their world for Christ is the most rewarding of moments," says Heath Tibbetts, Head of Spiritual Life.
7,100 student service hours performed 63 Key Club members
391 Royal Lions participated in service projects for the Rockford community Over
27 global & local mission projects
DEVELOPING PURPOSE TOGETHER
Recognizing the development of the whole child is vital for success and wellbeing, diverse co-curricular and extracurricular programming ensures students at every level thrive as they explore areas of passion. Student artists continued to develop their God-given talents and showcased their accomplishments at the annual Lower and Upper School art shows and in area competitions. Royal Lion musicians excelled in regional and state contests and shared their talents at school and community performances.
23 Big Northern Conference art awards
12 Rockford Art Museum displays (gr. 1-12)
21 ILMEA selections
MS bands IGSMA-rated excellent and superior
"The mission of Rockford Christian School is to cultivate biblically minded students who serve God to their greatest potential and impact the world for Jesus Christ.
Rockford Christian is a community that intentionally supports students' spiritual, academic, social-emotional, and physical development in and beyond the classroom. Students were actively mentored in building lasting relationships as they pursued their potential in competitive play. Royal Lion athletes, from Junior Lions to varsity players, grew as teammates strengthening discipline and dedication, as they celebrated 11 regional and sectional championships in multiple sports and numerous state qualifiers.
"The best part about being a coach is helping players develop their abilities and leave better than when they began." - Coach Wolter
22 IHSA state qualifiers
6 All-State athletes Four Division 1 commitments 4 school records broken
EQUIPPING GREATNESS TOGETHER
Cutting-edge technology and dedicated lab facilities offer endless hands-on learning opportunities from Early Childhood through high school, equipping students to successfully engage in an ever-changing world. Innovative programming and excellent instruction provided a solid educational foundation and maximized college readiness. Scholastic teams including math, Science Olympiad, and robotics complemented the classroom experience. For a second time, Royal Lions received prestigious honors including the Nambu Award, given in commemoration of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Yoichiro Nambu.
43 Advanced Placement Scholars 1st place
Robotic Lions in division at FTC state 3rd HS Science Olympiad at state
19 AP & dual credit course offerings
11 State Scholars
$240K Over in potential college savings
STRIVING FORWARD TOGETHER
RC remains committed to the partnership of families and educators to impact the lives of Royal Lions, creating a strong support system that ensures our children flourish. Events such as the Learning Fair, Royal Lion Christmas, and Grandparents Day offered opportunities for community connection and celebration of our students’ achievements. Together, we gave thanks for God's continued faithfulness and celebrated with full hearts as our students continued to mature and graduates stepped into the future He has prepared for them.
"You loved our children like your own and taught our children so well! Most importantly, you taught them, not just how but also modeled, what it looks like to love God and others."
- a forever grateful RC family
63 years of Christian education
100% college acceptance
$8M Over in college scholarship offerings
"I am so grateful for all of those who helped my siblings and me receive a Christian education. This has helped me pursue my CNA certification. I'm thankful for the Rockford Christian teachers and staff who have helped me become a better person and grow closer to God."
- Jeissy Avila Rivera, Class of 2024
BUILDING A LEGACY TOGETHER
$175,558 Year-end gifts totaled
$75,000 Over in corporate sponsorships $82,750 to ensure families affected by Empower sunset remained at RC REVENUE EXPENSES
Amanda Clinton Photography
Jackie Anderson, Faculty
Lori Granite, Faculty
Paul Johansen Photography
Hannah Johnson '12, Faculty
Christina Nelson, Content Manager
Courtney Walsh, RC Parent
Aurora Yeung '27
Ethan Zentz '09 PHOTOGRAPHY
Rockford Christian Board of Directors: Mr. Gary Love, Chair Dr. Beth Schleicher, Vice Chair Mr. Dave Stanfield, Treasurer
Mr. Tim Ancona, Mrs. Erin Blume, Mr. Phil Harris, Mr. Mark Kneller, Mr. Chris Reese, Ms. Maribeth Speckman