Rockford Elementary School Ranks Among Illinois’ Best for 2025

There’s nothing better than seeing Rockford win, especially when it’s our students and teachers getting the statewide spotlight. A huge new school ranking report just came out, and one local elementary school didn’t just make the list… it broke into the top five in Illinois.

That’s right... one of our own is sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Chicago’s highest-performing schools.

Before we get to the big reveal, here’s what went into the rankings:

What the Rankings Measured

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U.S. News & World Report analyzed:

• State reading & math scores
• Percentage of students at or above proficiency
• Student-teacher ratios
• Overall student achievement data
• School performance versus state averages

More than 47,000 elementary schools and 23,000 middle schools were evaluated nationwide, so cracking the top anything is a big feat. Cracking the top five? That’s Goose-Bumps-On-Your-Forearm good.

And the Rockford School That Made the List Is…

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School — representing Rockford Public Schools District 205 with pride and major academic success. Way to go, Chargers!

Top Illinois Schools at a Glance

The top slots this year included schools in Chicago, but Rockford didn’t just keep up; we earned our place in the elite group.

The Top Ten Best Elementary Schools in Illinois

1. Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center - Chicago Public Schools
2. Skinner North Elementary School - Chicago Public Schools
3. Thurgood Marshall Elementary School - Rockford School District 205
4. The Lane Elementary School - Hinsdale CCSD 181
5. Decatur Classical Elementary School - Chicago Public Schools
6. Meadow Glens Elementary School - Naperville Community Unified School District 203
7. Elm Elementary School - Burr Ridge, Hinsdale CCSD 181
8. Westmoor Elementary School - Northbrook SD 28
9. Prospect Elementary School - Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale CCSD 181
10. Highlands Elementary School - Naperville Community Unified School District 203

👉 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
👉 Thurgood Marshall Elementary (RPS 205)

MORE: 9 Best High Schools for Athletes in Illinois

Shout Out the 815!

Know a student, teacher, or alum from Thurgood Marshall? Drop a congratulations — they deserve it!

Because when Rockford rises, we rise together.

READ MORE: The 22 Best Places to Live in Illinois for 2025, Ranked