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#1598 of 3,813 schools in IL

Top 42% in state

Kennedy Middle School

Middle School · Rockford SD 205

520 N Pierpont Ave, Rockford, IL 61101

Enrollment

366

Student-Teacher

12.2:1

Score

6.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Rockford

#14 of 44

public schools

Illinois middle schools

#295 of 684

In district

#14 of 44

Rockford SD 205

Academic growth

8.7 / 10

Exceptional

About Kennedy Middle School

Kennedy Middle School in Rockford, Illinois, is a regular public school serving students from sixth to eighth grade. With an enrollment of 366 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1, Kennedy Middle School provides personalized attention and support for its young learners. The school boasts 30 full-time equivalent teachers who are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment.

Kennedy Middle School's academic performance is currently ranked in the bottom quartile among Illinois schools, with only 3% of students meeting proficiency standards in both English Language Arts/Reading and Math. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to helping its students grow academically and personally. The setting in a mid-size city like Rockford offers diverse opportunities for students beyond the classroom.

Kennedy Middle School is situated in an area that is part of Winnebago County, providing students with access to community resources and local activities.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Kennedy Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.7Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.1 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.0Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency0.5%
Overall Proficiency2%
Expected (poverty-adj.)7%
vs. Expected-5.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile11th
Resources & Environment8.1Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,721

Kennedy Middle School — Students at Kennedy Middle School score 2% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 7%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

91%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 3.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 3.2%
School
State
N/A

Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
3%
ELA
7%
2021*
Math
3%
ELA
2%
2022
ELA
0.5%

* 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: 8.7/10.

How Kennedy Middle School Compares

See how Kennedy Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
58th percentile in IL
Academic
3.0/10
3.0/10
Growth
8.7/10
Above average
Environment
8.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
91%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers

Location

520 N Pierpont Ave, Rockford, IL 61101

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Kennedy Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Thurgood Marshall School (rated 6.7/10, 3.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is West Middle School (rated 6.1/10, 2.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Rockford Envrnmntl Science Acad (rated 4.9/10, 2.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Rockford, see our Rockford schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.6 mi
School Distance Rating
McIntosh Elementary Rockford 0.1 mi 6.5
Auburn High School Rockford 0.3 mi 5.7
Galapagos Rockford Charter Sch Rockford 0.5 mi 3.7
Lewis Lemon Elementary Rockford 1.0 mi 6.6
BEREAN BAPTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rockford 1.3 mi 7.4
Ellis Elementary School Rockford 1.3 mi 6.6
Barbour Two-Way Lang Immersion Rockford 2.1 mi 5.9
Summerdale Early Childhood Center Rockford 2.0 mi 4.7
Rockford Envrnmntl Science Acad Rockford 2.6 mi 4.9
Washington Elementary School Rockford 2.3 mi 5.9
West Middle School Rockford 2.1 mi 6.1
Julia Lathrop Elem School Rockford 2.7 mi 4.6
Haskell Elementary School Rockford 2.2 mi 7.7
Conklin Elem School Rockford 2.6 mi 5.9
BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS Rockford 2.3 mi
Roosevelt Center Rockford 2.3 mi 6.2
R K Welsh Elem School Rockford 2.7 mi 7.0
Constance Lane Elementary School Rockford 3.0 mi 6.2
Beyer Early Childhood Center Rockford 3.2 mi 5.1
Thurgood Marshall School Rockford 3.6 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 61101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,260

Median Home Value

$89,800

Median Rent

$975/mo

Population

19,671

College Educated

14.7%

Homeownership

50.6%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

31.2%

Median Age

38.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Kennedy Middle School has a median household income of $45,260. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $89,800, with a median rent of $975/month. The area has a poverty rate of 31.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Benjamin Middle School West Chicago, IL 6.6
Heritage Middle School Berwyn, IL 6.6
Kellar School Robbins, IL 6.6
Lakeview Jr High School Downers Grove, IL 6.6
Lincoln Hall Middle School Lincolnwood, IL 6.6
Madero Middle School Chicago, IL 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kennedy Middle School

What grades does Kennedy Middle School serve?

Kennedy Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Kennedy Middle School?

Kennedy Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 366 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Kennedy Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Kennedy Middle School is 12.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Kennedy Middle School rank in IL?

Kennedy Middle School is ranked #1598 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Kennedy Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Kennedy Middle School has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Kennedy Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Kennedy Middle School has 3.0% math proficiency and 3.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Kennedy Middle School a charter school?

No, Kennedy Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Kennedy Middle School a Title I school?

No, Kennedy Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Kennedy Middle School?

91.0% of students at Kennedy Middle 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,627/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Rockford). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
366
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
91.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Winnebago County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Rockford SD 205
District Enrollment
27,661
Schools in District
45
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,016
District Rank
#14 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 methodology

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