ABOUT RLS

Our History

Rockford Lutheran School was founded as an exciting option for families seeking more from education. We opened our doors to youth of all faiths and origins who value academic challenges and exploring God-given talents. Our goal? To develop well-rounded students who are well suited for college and life as solid citizens.

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 had a vision of 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 RLA with two campuses, at Gloria Dei and Alpine. He brought preschool into the service portfolio. He has been a surrogate father, bus driver and mentor to countless young people who could not have attended Lutheran without his personal support. After leaving Lutheran, Mr. Wilson stayed close to the school with active roles at Concordia and Alpine. His vision and lists of accomplishments have created a legacy for our school.

The Sader Spirit Award is presented annually in his honor to 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 has not had an office at the school in this century he has a presence that is not diminished. Many of the faculty members he hired, the buildings he designed, our Million-dollar Foundation and the scholarship that he established which bears his name all continue to serve students and families today.

Our Milestones

1965: Enrolled first graduating class
1971: Construction begins to house 300 students
1982: On November 7th, in the midst of a financial crisis, the supporters of LHS met to consider the future of the ministry. The renewed vision for LHS 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 complete on the remodel 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: Resurfacing the wood floor of the Main Gym completed. The floor was both repainted and re-striped. A new, oversized RL logo greets all those who enter through the doors of our gymnasium, showcasing both our school pride, as well as pride in our facility.
2020: New ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant bleachers installed in the Main Gym