RPS Graduation 2023
Congratulations Class of 2023! This year’s graduation ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Can't attend in person? We will also be live streaming the ceremonies.
Welcome to Rochester Public Schools
New to Rochester? Welcome! Are you interested in enrolling your student at RPS?
Do you have a student entering Kindergarten?
Enrollment is now open for incoming Kindergarten families.
Make A Difference - Join the RPS Team!
Make a direct impact in the Rochester community by working at RPS.
RPS Strategic Plan
Learn more about our newly approved Strategic Plan
Volunteer in Rochester Public Schools
We encourages parent, caregivers, and community members to share their time, talents and knowledge with our students
Updates and Events
![Riverside 1st grader singing for Superintendent Pekel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1685647801/rochesterk12mnus/q6fwg0kpm4gmwjgx0gs6/Screenshot2023-06-01at94548AM.png","width":2200}])
What are our elementary school students’ sparks? The Supt is in the halls yet again, this time visiting some of our elementary schools. Check out our third installment of Supt in the Halls to see how it went!
![Two seniors in their caps and gowns]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685049619/rochesterk12mnus/tacplggd8b1pdpqthsgg/gradcover.jpg","width":2048}])
![Graphic with the words "Message from Superintendent Pekel"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1669049997/rochesterk12mnus/ldhcbwzn7xlzlrpncqbi/MessagefromSuperintendentPekel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1669049997/rochesterk12mnus/ldhcbwzn7xlzlrpncqbi/MessagefromSuperintendentPekel.png","width":512}])
Fast Facts
Our mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower all students with the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential, to contribute to future generations, and to become involved members of a global community.
As the 7th largest district in Minnesota we serve more than 17,400 students and continue to grow.
As one of the top three employers in Rochester, we currently employee over 3,000 staff members.
63.3% of our teachers hold a Master’s Degree or the equivalency.
We strive to provide our students with different opportunities for learning including early childhood education, quality neighborhood schools, district-wide programs and schools, alternative learning, and adult education.
In the 2017-2018 school year, we had a 4-year graduation rate of 87.01%, and our graduation rates continue to surpass the state average of 83.20%. Our three high schools combined had a 92% graduation rate.
Our district celebrates diversity with more than 80 spoken languages in our schools.
We offer four full-service community schools at Gage Elementary School, Riverside Central Elementary School, John Marshall High School, and Rochester Alternative Learning School.
Hawthorne Education Center offers Adult Basic Education, English as a second language, and college programs for our community members.