Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is located in Rochester, Minnesota, and is the state's seventh-largest school district. It serves approximately 17,500 students across 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three comprehensive high schools.

The district spans 218 square miles, covering a significant portion of Olmsted County and extending into Wabasha County.

Educational Programs

RPS offers a comprehensive pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade program, including various alternative schools and six district-wide programs.

The district's mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower all students with the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential. It aims to contribute to future generations and foster involvement in a global community.

Diversity and Graduation Rates

The district is known for its diversity, with students speaking over 80 languages.

The graduation rate is approximately 85% within four years. RPS ranks among the top 1% of most diverse schools in Minnesota.

Recent Initiatives

In recent years, RPS has initiated resource optimization and adapted to changing enrollment patterns.

A proposed attendance options redesign includes the closure of three schools due to sustained declining enrollment:

• Mighty Oaks Early Learning School
• Pinewood Elementary School
• Riverside Elementary School

Extracurricular Activities

RPS is committed to enhancing educational opportunities through extracurriculars.

An example is Mayo High School hosting the 91st Big 9 Music Festival, which brought together nearly 2,000 student musicians from all 12 Big 9 Conference schools.

Location

• Rochester, MN, USA

Overall, RPS designs educational programs to meet diverse learning needs and focuses on fostering a supportive community for students.