In the late 19th century, secondary education students living in Rock Falls attended classes in the city hall building.

In 1953, an addition to the building was approved by the board of education, providing for 15 new classrooms, a cafeteria, industrial shop areas, music rooms, and a 3,000 seat gymnasium.

In the same year, 33.1% of students met or exceeded standards on the English language arts section, slightly outperforming the state average of 31.6%.

Students are also provided the option to enroll in dual credit courses via partnership with the nearby Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois.

[4] In 1999, the Rock Falls boys' basketball team captured its first Class A state title, winning 45-43 at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois against Gibault Catholic High School with a buzzer beater three-point shot.