Spectrum School

4848 Turner Street

Rockford, IL 61107

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on May 25, 2022

The Spectrum Community is based upon collaboration between everyone. I mean from the President to the Janitor, the parent to the grandparent, the child to the volunteer, everyone is brought together for the sole purpose of molding a mind into a lifelong lover of learning. Send your kids here, and they will become the best that they can be!
Submitted by other on December 02, 2019

Top notch, I am 35 and still maintain contact with my 8th grade teachers and friends.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2018

An amazing experience. My child is always happy and eager to go to school and even do his work! Spectrum is building up these kids to be strong leaders in the future!
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2017

Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford a great alternative to either religious based or public schools. It offers an open environment when each child can relax and be themselves. The one plug I can give for this school that surpasses all others is that my child is eager, happy, and enthusiastic about going to school. There is never a time when she doesn't want to go...this shows that they are doing something right!!!
Submitted by other on December 19, 2016

Walking into this school you get a warm and welcoming feeling. The philosophy of progressive education, promoting multiple intelligences, project based learning and an integrated arts program provide an enriched environment for the students. The before and after school program is well run and a bonus to families. Spectrum's teachers and the curriculum are especially strong for students ages six through eleven. The current Middle School is not especially engaging, the teachers seemed to be focused on a few students, the others are left to their intrinsic motivation to learn and achieve.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2016

Each child is unique in their learning. My child was struggling in the traditional school. Self esteem was low, bored with the every day continuous worksheets, not finding purpose in what they were doing. Unfortunately, we tried our hardest to advocate for our child to makes things better at school, but it was not getting better. We moved our child to Spectrum for the last 2 months of school. On the 2nd day of attending Spectrum, my child was coming home happy, calm, positive, and talking non-stop about relevant exciting experiences they had in school. Spectrum took my child who had hit rock bottom and created a healthy, nurturing, respectful environment in which he could safely take risks, feel good about himself, and choose specific topics that he loved to learn about. This school is a gem. I am so thankful that there is a school out there that can nurture children to own their education and problem solve & use critical thinking skills every day. These skills will be priceless as they enter into high school and college. Thank you to the staff at Spectrum. You are doing a wonderful job nurturing our children. Because of you, my child is thriving. :-)
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2016

THIS SCHOOL IS NOT ACCREDITED!!!!!! All you end up doing is having to go get a GED. Thats a VERY expensive school to go to and not even get a diploma!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2015

We were looking for a school that fit all three of our children. We toured five private schools in the rockford area. When we went back to observe Spectrum (three times!), we were very welcomed by the staff. However, the kids did NOT notice us. They were so engrossed in what they were doing, that they didn't try and vie for our attention, as they did in our other "finalist" school (distracted/bored). The staff is very caring and kind. There aren't any grades in this school, there are progress reports. Lengthy progress reports. Which, are great because they are VERY detailed and provide plenty of feedback on your child. More information than I ever got from our previous school, and prove that the teachers truly know your child. The kids in the upper grades take standardized tests every year, so if you are concerned about your child's progress, this is an additional tool to ease your mind. I could add much more, but my review is too long already. Check out the school for yourself. I can tell you, my kids have greatly benefitted from the multiple intelligence style of learning in many ways. Think creativity paired with practicality.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

Yesterday I went to my daughter's school's All School Sharing. It was the last one for the year and at the end the teachers did this. I TOTALLY love this school! As the school year comes to a close I am happy to say that moving my daughter out of public school and to a private school was the ABSOLUTE BEST decision we could have made! It obvious that the teachers truly LOVE their jobs. Thank you everyone (teachers, staff, parents, and students) for welcoming us with open arms! It has been an amazing year for us even with all we went through. I truly believe my daughter would not have had the same amount of support (if any) if she was any where else, or me for that matter. I have made and built some amazing friendships that I feel so incredibly blessed! There is something soooooo special about this school that is indescribable.... It really is a big family.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

Spectrum Progressive offers a unique curriculum, based on solid evidence, encouraging life long learning skills, creativity, leadership development, and social development. The teachers are loving, innovative, and dedicated. Student assessment is very personal and descriptive, reflecting the depth of the relationship between teachers and students. Spectrum prepares students to be highly productive members of the community. We have one student at Spectrum currently. Our second, attended Spectrum through middle school. We have been extremely pleased with their experience. Spectrum. Is a great community asset.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

This is our first year at Spectrum and my son loves it! The teachers are wonderful and the smaller class sizes are ideal. I also love the way the older kids help the younger ones.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2014

Every kid should have a school like this. Every teacher should have a school like this to work at. It's amazing to see what our kids can do when given access to what they need instead of what a test requires. I've never seen so many truly happy thriving kids in one place. I'm so grateful to have found Spectrum. It's been great for our whole family.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2014

I have had my 9 year old in Spectrum since preschool and have never regretted my decision. I wanted a school that my girls would be happy to attend each day. The teachers are all compassionate, caring and supportive. The Parent Club is a great way to meet parents who have had their children in Spectrum. Alumni often come back and talk about their successes.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2014

Spectrum is a non-traditional school that allows children to be themselves and where individual learning styles are recognized and respected. In the early education levels children are allowed to play freely during "work time" or "project time". They decide what to work with and how and then they reflect on it which is important for actual learning to happen. At every level the students are engaged so they learn instead of memorizing something for a test or just doing a bunch of worksheets. Both of my boys are self-directed learners in and out of school and although it has been an investment financially it has been without question the best decision we have made regarding our children. My kids have enjoyed going to school everyday and after attending Spectrum for K-8 my oldest is now in high school where he takes all honors classes and does very well. The environment is very family friendly and there is lots of parent involvement. It has been a very positive experience for our family.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2014

We love everything about Spectrum! The environment allows each child to become a self-directed learner. My child loves going to school everyday!
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2014

Spectrum is a unique, collaborative, and creative environment for student learning. Teachers and students are empowered to reach their greatest potential as true thinkers, problem solvers, and collaborators. This is the school I wish I'd gone to as a child! I'm so thrilled that my children have the opportunity to attend school in an environment where they experience the joy of learning alongside their peers and teachers. I know that they will truly be lifelong learners because of the positive experiences they have as their foundation. They will be prepared for the careers of the 21st century because they are able to think outside the box. Kids who attend here are the ones who live out their passion and change the world around them with their positive influence.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2013

In my opinion and experience, Spectrum is more arts based and not so much into the basic 3R's. I pulled my child because I felt they would be lacking in eduation for a competitive college enviornment as well as a working world enviornment in the future. A lot of time during the day is taken up by drama, music, art, as well as supplemental units which change but an example would be community service and etiquette. Many field trips are scheduled which frankly I felt the kids would have been better off without most of. One teacher was outstanding, helping those who needed extra help, but the others strongly prefer the gifted kids. Fundraising is expected as the non profit school supposedly has a large shortfall between tuition income and the schools outlay. There are many different ways to contribute and it is expected, not encouaged. This was not stressed when we joined, but it would have been nice to know. In short, If you are an arts based family, this school is for you. If you are wanting a solid foundation in Math, Science, and English, it might not be.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2013

Both of my children have attended Spectrum Progressive School. I love the fact that they look forward to going to school each day. The 12:1 student/teacher ration means that they get personalized attention. One particular aspect of the school that I think is unique, and highly effective, is the immersion learning in Interest Groups three times per year. Students are allowed to select from a list of topic areas and dive into that topic for one week. They are energized by synthesizing learning using math, science, english, public speaking, etc., as they explore the topic. I love this school!
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2011

Spectrum is a wonderful learning community of families and staff. They have kind students and a great environment. It encourages a flexible learning style.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2011

An exceptional school that takes a unique approach to learning. The multiple intelligence approach encourages children to learn from one another and collaborate. 3rd graders learn from 5th graders, 5th graders learn from 10th graders, etc. Childern learn not only the material but, HOW to learn. Our children can't wait to go to school on Monday and we have to drag them out. A very creative and inviting atmosphere boasting a 12:1 student/teacher ratio. Overall, a true value for the money. Not the most expensive school, not the least but worth every penny. I highly recommend this school. They also have convienent early morning and after school learning for parents on the go.