Thomas Jefferson High School is a public coed four-year high school, in Rockford, Illinois, United States. The school serves the city of Rockford and the neighboring villages of Cherry Valley, Illinois and New Milford, Illinois. The school is named after the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
Serving 2,173 students in grades 9-12, Jefferson High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 2% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,173 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 72% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Jefferson High School serves the southern part of Rockford, IL, covering an area of approximately 59.7 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes 10-15 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 7.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Jefferson High School's student population of 2,173 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 111 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,173 students
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Year Founded
1969
School Rankings
Jefferson High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jefferson High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3483 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
55%
29%
Black
20%
16%
White
17%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
72%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)60.5%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Red, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson High School's ranking?
Jefferson High School is ranked #3483 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Jefferson High School often compared to?
Jefferson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Guilford High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 6% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Jefferson High School?
The graduation rate of Jefferson High School is 72%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Jefferson High School?
2,173 students attend Jefferson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Jefferson High School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 17% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson High School?
Jefferson High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Jefferson High School offer ?
Jefferson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Jefferson High School part of?
Jefferson High School is part of Rockford SD 205 School District.
School Calendar
View the Jefferson High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break - No School
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break - No School
March 29, 2027 (Monday)
Spring Break - No School
April 01, 2027 (Thursday)
Seniors Last Day of School
May 07, 2027 (Friday)
EC Last Day of School
May 20, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
Review Jefferson High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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