Needs Improvement
#3749 of 3,813 schools in IL
Jefferson High School
High School · Rockford SD 205
4145 Samuelson Rd, Rockford, IL 61109
Enrollment
2,170
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,170
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Rockford
#43 of 44
public schools
Illinois high schools
#697 of 703
In district
#43 of 44
Rockford SD 205
About Jefferson High School
Jefferson High School serves 2,170 students in grades 9-12 in Rockford, Illinois, with a student-teacher ratio of 19.4:1 across 112 full-time equivalent teachers. As one of the larger high schools in the area, Jefferson faces significant academic challenges, ranking in the 2nd percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 2.4 out of 10. The school's academic performance shows considerable room for growth, with only 6% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading across grade levels.
These results reflect the broader educational landscape in this mid-size city, where the school community is working to support student achievement despite facing systemic challenges. Jefferson High School draws from a diverse working-class community where the median household income is $58,242 and median home values are $125,800. The surrounding neighborhood has a poverty rate of 16.9%, with 17% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
These demographic factors highlight the importance of the school's role in providing educational opportunities and support systems for its students. Located on Samuelson Road in Winnebago County, Jefferson High School serves as an important educational hub in Rockford's community fabric, working to prepare students for their futures despite the academic hurdles they currently face.
What Parents Should Know
Jefferson High School is a large school with 2,170 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
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Jefferson High School — Students at Jefferson High School score 4% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 15%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
75.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.8/10.
How Jefferson High School Compares
See how Jefferson High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 11% (2019) to 3% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 18% (2019) to 6% (2022).
Location
4145 Samuelson Rd, Rockford, IL 61109
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Jefferson High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ALPINE ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Swan Hillman Elem School (rated 7.2/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ROCKFORD IQRA' SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Rockford, see our Rockford schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CATHEDRAL BAPTIST SCHOOL Rockford | 0.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Arthur Froberg Elem School Rockford | 1.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Wm Nashold Early Childhood Center Rockford | 1.6 mi | 4.7 |
| Swan Hillman Elem School Rockford | 1.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Bernard W Flinn Middle School Rockford | 2.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Whitehead Elem School Rockford | 2.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Rolling Green Rockford | 2.8 mi | 6.9 |
| ROCKFORD IQRA' SCHOOL Rockford | 2.8 mi | 7.2 |
| ALPINE ACADEMY Rockford | 3.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Riverdahl Elem School Rockford | 2.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Rockford East High School Rockford | 3.5 mi | 4.9 |
| ST RITA SCHOOL Rockford | 3.0 mi | 3.2 |
| Fairview Early Childhood Center Rockford | 3.8 mi | 4.6 |
| Gregory Elem School Rockford | 3.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Cherry Valley Elementary School Rockford | 3.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Abraham Lincoln Middle School Rockford | 4.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Maud E Johnson Elem School Rockford | 4.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Beyer Early Childhood Center Rockford | 4.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Jackson Charter School Rockford | 4.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Constance Lane Elementary School Rockford | 4.4 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 61109 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,702
Median Home Value
$124,900
Median Rent
$916/mo
Population
26,714
College Educated
17.9%
Homeownership
62.5%
Avg Commute
21.8 min
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Median Age
34.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Jefferson High School has a median household income of $61,702. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $124,900, with a median rent of $916/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.5%. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Granite City High School Granite City, IL | 3.9 |
| United Twp High School East Moline, IL | 3.9 |
| O Fallon High School O Fallon, IL | 4.3 |
| Rock Island High School Rock Island, IL | 4.3 |
| Proviso East High School Maywood, IL | 4.4 |
| Galesburg Senior High School Galesburg, IL | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jefferson High School
What grades does Jefferson High School serve?
Jefferson High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Jefferson High School?
Jefferson High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,170 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Jefferson High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Jefferson High School is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Jefferson High School rank in IL?
Jefferson High School is ranked #3749 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Jefferson High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Jefferson High School has a composite rating of 3.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Jefferson High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Jefferson High School has 7.0% math proficiency and 11.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Jefferson High School a charter school?
No, Jefferson High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Jefferson High School a Title I school?
No, Jefferson High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jefferson High School?
75.2% of students at Jefferson High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Rockford). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,170
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 112
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 75.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Winnebago County
- Phone
- (815) 874-9536
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rockford SD 205- District Enrollment
- 27,661
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,016
- District Rank
- #43 of 44
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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