Rock Falls High School Achieves Record Graduation Rates in 2025

Rock Falls High School has achieved an impressive graduation rate of 92.4% for the year 2025, surpassing both Sterling and Dixon Public Schools, as well as the statewide average in Illinois. The annual Illinois school report card data, released on October 30, 2025, indicates that the overall graduation rate for Illinois public schools reached a record-breaking high of 89%, an increase from 87.7% in 2024.

The performance of Rock Falls High School has consistently outpaced its local counterparts, having improved from 91.2% in 2024. Principal Mike Berentes credits this success to the implementation of additional resources designed to assist struggling students. Among these resources is a credit recovery program, which allows students to regain lost credits by collaborating with teachers during study hours and after school.

“Our teachers and staff have been doing a really good job at identifying students early,” Berentes remarked, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the school to support students.

Sterling High School reported a graduation rate of 91% in 2025, up from 86.2% the previous year, while Dixon High School recorded an 88.9% rate, marking a notable improvement from 82.1% in 2024. Principal Jared Shaner of Dixon High School noted that a focused effort on improving daily attendance has been a key factor in enhancing graduation rates.

“Consistent attendance over four years ultimately leads to a positive impact on graduation rates,” Shaner stated.

Chronic absenteeism, a significant factor in student performance, has shown signs of improvement across the region. In 2024, 42.2% of Dixon High School students were classified as chronically absent, missing at least 10% of school days. This rate decreased to 36.2% in 2025. Shaner explained that the school has partnered with the Regional Office of Education No. 47’s NEXUS program to address attendance issues directly with families.

The attendance initiatives included setting up attendance contracts with struggling students and offering rewards for consistent attendance. This strategy also linked attendance to opportunities such as opting out of final exams and attending special events, including homecoming and prom.

Despite the improvements, Rock Falls High School reported an increase in chronic absenteeism, with a rate of 24.7% in 2025 compared to 19.9% in 2024. In contrast, Sterling High School saw a decrease, reporting a chronic absenteeism rate of 20.2%.

In a broader context, the report indicates that chronic absenteeism across all grade levels in Illinois remains above pre-pandemic levels, although it has been steadily declining since 2022. The statewide rate dropped to 25.4% in 2025.

Dixon Public Schools reported an overall chronic absenteeism rate of 28.1%, while Sterling Public Schools saw a reduction to 15.7%, nearing its 2019 rate of 14.6%.

Performance Designations and Future Goals

The Illinois school report evaluates schools based on various performance metrics, including proficiency rates in mathematics, English language arts, and science. Schools are designated as exemplary, commendable, targeted, or comprehensive based on their overall performance, with the top 10% being labeled as exemplary.

All Dixon Public Schools received commendable designations, which Principal Shaner described as a positive achievement. Specific schools, including Jefferson Elementary School, were identified as targeted, indicating areas needing improvement.

Meanwhile, Sterling Public Schools and Rock Falls High School, along with Dillon Elementary School, received commendable ratings, consistent with 2024 performance. However, Merrill Elementary School in Rock Falls Elementary School District 13 saw a decline, moving from commendable to targeted due to lower scores among students with disabilities.

As local schools continue to strategize for improvement, the focus remains on maintaining high graduation rates and reducing absenteeism, ensuring that students are supported throughout their educational journey. The dedication of educators across these institutions reflects a commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive and achieve their academic goals.