Beginning this school year, Rockford Public Schools will bring back final exams & learning experiences for all high school students.
We made this decision after hearing from students, teachers, and school leaders. They shared that finals give students a chance to show what they have learned, build confidence, and get ready for college, careers, and other important tests in the future.
What This Means for Students
Every high school class will include a final exam or learning experience at the end of each semester.
Depending on the course, this may look different from class to class.
Students may complete:
A traditional written exam
A project or portfolio
A presentation or speech
A performance or demonstration
Another assessment that allows them to show what they have learned
Each final is designed to measure the essential skills and knowledge students have gained throughout the semester.
How Finals Affect Grades
Final exams and learning experiences will count for 10% of a student's semester grade.
The other 90% of the grade will still come from the work students complete throughout the semester, including classwork, projects, quizzes, tests, and other assignments.
What Families Can Expect
Final exams will take place at the end of each semester.
Teachers will explain what students need to do and help them prepare during class.
Schools will share the final exam schedule before each exam period.
Final Exam Dates
First Semester: December 16-18, 2026
Second Semester: May 19-21, 2027
Students will have a shorter school day during finals, and bus transportation and lunch will still be provided.
Each school will share its final exam schedule and any additional details with families before the exam period begins.
We encourage students to attend class regularly, stay engaged throughout the semester, and take advantage of the support and resources available from their teachers. Final exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning, celebrate their progress, and finish each semester strong.
To learn more about high school final exams plus middle and high school grading, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/middle-high-school-grading