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Why Choose RCS?

RHS art teacher with students
Hart STEM lab
Elementary student with teacher

World-class instruction from highly skilled, caring teachers and staff

As Michigan’s premier school district, Rochester Community Schools ensures a high-quality, student-centered, future-forward education for all individuals.

World-class learning opportunities are provided for students in early childhood education, preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school. RCS also offers a virtual campus, special education for ages 0-26, adult education, and community enrichment programs.

Our nationally acclaimed, award-winning schools are served by more than 1,500 caring, highly-skilled professionals. These teachers and support staff nurture our students to become lifelong learners and contribute in meaningful ways to a diverse, global environment. The district is committed to whole-child growth that includes academic and social-emotional learning.

RCS is ranked as a top school district in Oakland County based on science, social studies, math and writing test scores, and approximately 95 percent of our graduates attend post-secondary schools. Additionally, multiple RCS schools have achieved the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon status as “exemplary high performing” schools.

As part of a well-rounded education, RCS offers award-winning art, music and orchestra programs, athletics, robotics and STEM options, world languages, Advanced Placement courses, multi-tiered supports, student clubs and a wide variety of service, leadership and enrichment opportunities.

Serving Michigan’s Greater Rochester area, RCS is located in a dynamic community that includes a vibrant downtown, beautiful parks and recreation, cultural opportunities, and residents who consistently support high-quality education through recent school bond, technology and improvement initiatives. Thanks in large part to our high-achieving and highly regarded schools, the Rochester area continues to grow and attract new families.

With its rich history dating back to 1821, Rochester Community Schools continues to innovate while building family, school, business and community partnerships that are integral for student success. As a community, RCS has a profound impact on students’ lives and instills a sense of pride and excellence across the organization.

Balanced budget that supports growth

The Rochester Community School District's strategic plan requires fiscal stewardship, which includes maintaining a balanced budget that is sustainable, promotes growth, and maintains high-quality student programs.

In 2024, the district was presented with the prestigious Association of School Business Officials International Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the seventh consecutive year. The MBA promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and is conferred only to school districts whose budgets have undergone a rigorous review by finance professionals and have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria.

“Districts that apply to the MBA or Pathway to the MBA programs recognize the importance of presenting a high-quality, easy-to-understand budget internally and to the community,” ASBO International Executive Director David J. Lewis explains. “By participating in the programs, not only do districts have access to the tools and resources they need to communicate the district’s goals and objectives clearly, they demonstrate their commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”

“The Meritorious Budget Award reflects the district’s commitment to creating a transparent budget document that meets the needs of various users while remaining valuable to our entire community. We are proud to be honored for the seventh consecutive year,” said Executive Director of Business Operations Matthew McDaniel.

Additionally, for the fourth time, RCS earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for meeting the highest standards for financial reporting and transparency. 

The RCS business team is comprised of distinguished professionals who support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation, with a commitment to high-quality education.

Districtwide data-based accreditation

The RCS Board of Education is committed to ensuring districtwide accreditation of our schools. Working with AdvancEd, a non-profit organization with more than 100 years of work in school accreditation, the district is committed to exploring systems and processes that ensure best practices across the organization.

“The accreditation process is a journey which will take place every five years. We have a diverse leadership team who will provide the schools with the necessary support,” said Executive Director of Instructional Practices, K-12, Karen Gelardi.

The accreditation process is based on research and metrics. Team members from across the country look at objective data, experimental analysis and subjective evaluations. They also consider the climate, culture and beliefs of the organization.

“As a district, we are proud of the excellence achieved by our students and staff. The accreditation process will ensure that excellence continues,” said Dr. Shaner.

Districtwide music education designation

Rochester Community Schools has again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.  Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.   Rochester Community Schools earned this honor in 2014, then yearly since 2016.