Best Schools in Sterling, Illinois
8 schools · 5 Elementary · 1 Middle · 2 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.5/10
- Median household income
- $60,854
- Median home value
- $121,000
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 20%
- Avg commute
- 20 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 71%
0% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Sterling compares
Illinois rank
#346 of 444
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.7
below Illinois avg (6.3)
Median household income
$61k
74% of Illinois median
Schools in this city
8
About Schools in Sterling, Illinois
Sterling, Illinois is home to 8 schools, including 6 public schools and 2 private schools. The city's schools span 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.
With an average rating of 5.5 out of 10, schools in Sterling show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Sterling is Christ Lutheran School with a composite score of 6.8/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Sterling is served by 1 school district: Sterling CUSD 5. These districts collectively serve 3,228 students.
Sterling's community shows 20% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $60,854. The poverty rate in the area is 13.5%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
5 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 374 students · 3rd–5th | 6.1 | ||
| 2 | 422 students · Pre-K–2nd | 4.8 | ||
| 3 | 305 students · 3rd–5th | 4.8 | ||
| 4 | 413 students · Pre-K–2nd | 4.7 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Private
45 students · Pre-K–5th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 718 students · 6th–8th | 5.7 |
High Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 996 students · 9th–12th | 5.6 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 203 students · 9th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Sterling
Sterling, Illinois · 8 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$60,854
Median Home Value
$121,000
Median Rent
$791/mo
Population
20,916
College Educated
20%
Homeownership
71%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Community Profile
Sterling has a median household income of $60,854. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $121,000, with a median rent of $791/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.5%. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Illinois
- Total Schools
- 8
- Elementary
- 5
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 2
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 5.5/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Illinois
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Sterling, Illinois
How many schools are in Sterling, Illinois?
Sterling has 8 schools, including 6 public and 2 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Sterling, Illinois?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Sterling is 5.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Sterling, Illinois?
The top-ranked school in Sterling on MySchoolScout is Christ Lutheran School with a composite score of 6.8/10.
What is the best elementary school in Sterling, Illinois?
The top-ranked elementary school in Sterling on MySchoolScout is Christ Lutheran School with a composite score of 6.8/10.
What is the best middle school in Sterling, Illinois?
The top-ranked middle school in Sterling on MySchoolScout is Challand Middle School with a composite score of 5.7/10.
What is the best high school in Sterling, Illinois?
The top-ranked high school in Sterling on MySchoolScout is Newman Central Catholic High School with a composite score of 5.8/10.
How many school districts serve Sterling, Illinois?
Sterling is served by 1 school district: Sterling Cusd 5.
What is the education level in Sterling, Illinois?
According to Census data, 20% of adults in Sterling have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Sterling, Illinois?
The median household income in Sterling is approximately $60,854 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Sterling, Illinois?
Yes, Sterling has 2 private schools alongside 6 public schools. The top-rated private school is Christ Lutheran School with a score of 6.8/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Sterling, Illinois?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Sterling is 14.4:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Sterling, Illinois?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Illinois Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.