Rockford Public Schools offers a rich and varied curriculum to its 28,000 students. It is one of the largest school districts in Illinois and the second-largest employer in the Rockford region. The district focuses on Readiness Rocks, five initiatives aimed at improving student achievement, making best use of resources and making RPS 205 a desirable and successful school district. Those initiatives are: College and Career Readiness, Seven Periods to Success, 21st Century Learning Environments, Preschool for All and College for All.

In addition to zone-based schools, there are also specialized schools, including Montessori, Dual Language, Gifted, Creative and Performing Arts and a year-round program.