Rock Falls High School Achieves Record Graduation Rate in 2025

Rock Falls High School has achieved a remarkable milestone in its graduation rate for 2025, surpassing both Sterling and Dixon Public Schools as well as the statewide average in Illinois. According to the annual Illinois school report card data released on October 30, 2025, Rock Falls recorded a graduation rate of 92.4%, significantly above the state rate of 89% and an increase from 91.2% in 2024.

The report highlights the impressive performance of Illinois public schools, which reached a record high in graduation rates, up from 87.7% in the previous year. Rock Falls’ achievement marks the second consecutive year it has outperformed both Sterling and Dixon high schools. Principal Mike Berentes attributed this success to enhanced support systems put in place for struggling students, including a credit recovery program that allows students to make up missing credits through additional instruction.

Sterling High School also showed improvement, achieving a 91% graduation rate in 2025, an increase from 86.2% in 2024. Meanwhile, Dixon High School recorded a graduation rate of 88.9%, up from 82.1% the previous year. Principal Jared Shaner noted a strong focus on improving daily attendance as a key factor in their progress.

Chronic absenteeism has been a critical issue impacting graduation rates. In 2024, nearly half of Dixon High School’s students were deemed chronically absent, but this figure dropped to 36.2% in 2025. Shaner highlighted the implementation of the NEXUS program, which aims to address attendance challenges by working directly with families. The school has also adopted incentive-based strategies to encourage consistent attendance.

Despite improvements, Rock Falls High School experienced an increase in its chronic absenteeism rate, which rose to 24.7% in 2025 from 19.9% the previous year. In 2019, Rock Falls had a much lower chronic absenteeism rate of 8.9%. The data indicates that while progress is being made, absenteeism remains a challenge across the region.

In terms of overall school performance, the Illinois school report evaluates schools based on various metrics, including proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science, along with attendance and graduation rates. Schools are categorized as exemplary, commendable, targeted, or comprehensive based on their performance. All Dixon Public Schools received a commendable designation, reflecting their notable achievements.

For Rock Falls, Sterling, and other local schools, the report shows a commitment to continuous improvement. While Rock Falls High School and Sterling’s schools have maintained commendable ratings, Dixon High School has made strides in addressing its past challenges, marking a significant turnaround in its performance.

Looking ahead, educators across these districts are optimistic about sustaining and building upon these gains. With ongoing efforts to enhance student support and engagement, the future appears promising for students in Rock Falls, Sterling, and Dixon as they prepare for graduation and beyond.