Humble Beginnings Expands to Decades of Lutheran Education
Rockford Lutheran School was founded as an exciting option for families seeking more from education. Through the decades, our doors remain open to youth of all faiths and origins who value academic challenges and exploring God-given talents. Our goal? To develop well-rounded students well suited for college and life as solid citizens.
1964 - 1971 From Pilot 9th Grade to New Construction for Grades 9-12
Born in 1964 as a ninth-grade pilot program of a large Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) school, the school evolved into an association of LCMS congregations and purchased its current North Alpine site. As the demographics of Rockford changed, its feeder schools could no longer support a Lutheran high school. The enrollment began to decline, and financial pressures began to mount. At this point, the association voted to expand to include ALC and LCA (predecessors of the ELCA) congregations. A new outreach to the community was initiated. The situation stabilized, and growth began. By 1974, enrollment at the high school grew to 182 students, ten full-time instructors, and three part-time instructors.
Early 1980's Financial Crisis Produces New Era for LHSA
The exciting steps of expansion came during an extreme financial crisis. Declining enrollment in Lutheran feeder schools and a demand note on the 1971 building program created a critical financial situation. The Lutheran community rallied to prevent the doors from closing by contributing $300,000 to keep the Lutheran school ministry alive. That initiated a new era for the Lutheran High School Association of the Greater Rockford Area. The Junior High continued to flourish, feeding the expanding high school program. When discussion in the local public district raised the possibility of a K-5 elementary program, a 6th grade was added to the Junior High, inaugurating a 4-6 Intermediate program.
1982 Expansion – Adding Junior High and Expanding the Association
The new educational ministry was expanded to junior high beginning with 7th grade. The school's ministry expanded by including new churches with the association of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and Lutheran Church of America (LCA), developing a pan-Lutheran foundation for the ministry to youth.
1993 - Elementary School Opens
Great interest in the development of the lower grades led to the formulation of a K-12 educational concept, resulting in the opening of Luther Academy at Gloria Dei. This major expansion of Rockford Lutheran was directed by a visionary, Keith Wilson. America's first ELCA-LCMS primary school opened its doors to 101 K-4 students on August 25, 1993. This program now includes a Pre-K-5 program.
2023 - Continuing to Touch Lives for Eternity through Christ-centered Education
Presently, Lutheran Senior High (9-12), Junior High (6-8), and Rockford Lutheran Elementary (PreK-5) are spearheading the growth of the Lutheran education system in the Northern Illinois area. This is viewed as the broadest, most effective means by which the church can minister to the needs of families in this area. The need for Christ-centered, value-based education continues to be great. The harvest is indeed plentiful; the possibilities, infinite; the rewards, eternal.
Rockford Lutheran Milestones
1965 Enrolled first graduating class
1971 Construction begins to house 300 students
1982 On November 7th, amid a financial crisis, the supporters of L.H.S. met to consider the future of the ministry. The renewed vision for L.H.S. has enabled the ministry to continue to this day.
1989 Addition constructed to house middle school, locker rooms, and auditorium
1993 Construction completed on lunchroom, computer lab, and classroom addition
1994 Received accreditation by K-12 National Lutheran School and Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
2016 Construction completed on the Puri Family C.O.R.E., an updated space for students to study and do research.
2017 Construction was completed on the remodeling of our Athletic Office, expanding the upstairs Fitness Center, and moving our Athletic Office staff into a more collaborative space where our Library used to be.
2018 The floor of the main gym was resurfaced. The floor was repainted and re-striped. A new R.L. logo greets all who enter through our gymnasium doors, showcasing our school pride and pride in our facility.
2020 New A.D.A. (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant bleachers installed in the Main Gym
Keith Wilson, a RLS Visionary
In the history of Rockford Lutheran, one of the most gigantic visionaries of all is Mr. Keith Wilson. Keith is the consummate educator. Mr. Wilson envisioned a K-12 system where people who know them and have a stake in their future would constantly surround students. He was a Board member at Lutheran in the early 80s before becoming the Superintendent. It was Mr. Wilson who first saw the advantages of a system of Lutheran education in the Stateline. He opened R.L.A. with two campuses, at Gloria Dei and Alpine Lutheran. He brought preschool into the service portfolio. He was a surrogate father, bus driver, and mentor to countless young people who could not have attended Lutheran without his support. After leaving Lutheran, Mr. Wilson stayed close to the school and had active roles at Concordia and Alpine. His vision and lists of accomplishments created a lasting legacy for our school.
The Sader Spirit Award is presented annually in honor of the high school player who has the most enthusiasm and whose spirit consists of pride in the team and a motivational attitude that is dedicated to seeing the team win and has a consistently positive attitude even when games are lost.
The example that Mr. Wilson gave us has value today. Even though Keith would not fill an office at the school in this century, his presence has not been diminished. Many of the faculty members he hired, the buildings he designed, our Million-dollar Foundation, and the scholarship he established, which bears his name, continue serving students and families today.