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
Learn about Safe Routes to School
RPS students within walking distance of their school are encouraged to walk to be active, reduce school traffic, and support safe, walkable communities.
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
![mother-checking-fever-her-daughter-bedroom_1170-2755]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1669142375/rochesterk12mnus/jg9iuxvedwooitatbktp/Whentokeepyourstudenthome.webp","width":1800}])
With the season of respiratory illness here, we are seeing more students sick at school. Learn about when to keep your student home to keep our schools healthy.
![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}])
![Graphic for SpeakUp for Safety]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1668549440/rochesterk12mnus/hoib2e6vnkiakeulkoaq/speakupforsafety-0121.png","width":2200}])
The well-being and safety of our students and staff are important to Rochester Public Schools (RPS), that is why we use SpeakUp for Safety to help keep them safe.
![Incoming Kindergarten student at the KO2K event Photobooth]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1668123465/rochesterk12mnus/haufyvoxsirbuypmrq7r/KO2Kstudentinphotobooth.jpg","width":2200}])
Making the transition into the school system can be an emotional time for you and your student. Whether you're a first-time parent or caregiver or if this is your last student entering kindergarten, our team of staff is ready to help you along the way.
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.