The Rock Island Center for Math & Science (RICMS) is a K-6 choice school that was built in 2010 with a clear commitment to student-centered, integrated learning with an emphasis on math and science. Since that time, RICMS has evolved into a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) driven school with the vision to develop a community of critical thinkers and strong leaders through high expectations...all within a safe and respectful learning environment!

Our most often-asked question: How is Rock Island Center for Math and Science different from our other educational offerings in the Rock Island-Milan School District #41? The answer is simple: we have a three tiered focus on place-based, inquiry-based, and project-based instruction.

Krista Lonian serves as Principal of the Rock Island Center for Math and Science (RICMS). She began her career in the Rock Island-Milan School District, teaching a fifth/sixth-grade multi-age classroom at Earl Hanson Elementary from 2003 to 2005. After gaining additional experience teaching fifth and eighth grade in other school districts, she returned to RIMSD in 2018 as a sixth-grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Inspired to expand her impact beyond the classroom, Mrs. Lonian transitioned into school leadership, serving one year as Student Assistant Manager (SAM) and the past three years as assistant principal at RICMS before becoming principal.

A lifelong learner with deep local roots, Mrs. Lonian grew up in Andalusia and attended Rockridge School District from kindergarten through graduation alongside her three brothers. Graduating third in her class earned her a full tuition scholarship to Black Hawk College, where she completed her associate degree before earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to professional growth, earning master's degrees in Elementary Education and Literacy from the American College of Education.

After 17 years in the classroom, Mrs. Lonian felt called to serve scholars, staff, and families in a broader leadership capacity. Returning to Rock Island-Milan gave her the opportunity to continue making a difference in a district she has always valued. She is passionate about fostering a school culture where every scholar is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Mrs. Lonian and her husband, Lionel, have three children. Their daughter, Kayla, is a high school special education teacher, their son Ethan works for KONE, and their youngest, Aarriq, will be a senior in high school this year. Outside of school, Mrs. Lonian enjoys spending time with her family and swimming – so if you ever need to find her, there's a good chance you'll find her at the pool.