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Average

#528 of 990 schools in CT

Sterling Community School

Elementary School · Sterling School District

251 Sterling Rd., Sterling, CT 06377

Enrollment

319

Student-Teacher

10.6:1

Score

6.2

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Connecticut elementary schools

#314 of 595

Academic growth

7.9 / 10

Very strong

About Sterling Community School

Sterling Community School is a regular public school located in the rural setting of Sterling, Connecticut. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and boasts an enrollment of 319 students with a supportive student-teacher ratio of 10.6:1. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 30 full-time equivalent teachers committed to providing quality education.

While the academic performance scores are currently lower, ranking at 4.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout and placing 728th out of 996 schools in Connecticut (27th percentile), Sterling Community School focuses on fostering a nurturing environment that encourages student development and growth. In ELA/reading proficiency, 43% of students are considered proficient or above, while in math, the percentage is 26%. These numbers indicate areas where the school can work to improve academic outcomes.

Sterling Community School is situated in a rural area near the town, providing a peaceful setting for its students. The community around the school offers a close-knit atmosphere that supports and engages with the educational journey of each child.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Sterling Community School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Located in a rural area, Sterling Community School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.9Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.35 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Fair30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25%
Reading/ELA Proficiency41%
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)51%
vs. Expected-18.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,070

Sterling Community School — Students at Sterling Community School score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

36.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CT EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 26.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 43.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from CT state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
26%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
41%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.9/10.

How Sterling Community School Compares

See how Sterling Community School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
47th percentile in CT
Academic
3.8/10
3.8/10
Growth
7.9/10
Above average
Environment
5.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
36%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers

Location

251 Sterling Rd., Sterling, CT 06377

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sterling Community School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Capt. Isaac Paine El. School (rated 8.1/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Foster), which scores notably higher. Another option is Killingly Central School (rated 6.3/10, 10.2 miles away, in nearby Dayville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Voluntown Elementary School (rated 6.2/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Voluntown), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Moosup Elementary School Moosup 2.4 mi 3.5
Plainfield High School Central Village 4.0 mi 4.5
Shepard Hill Elementary School Plainfield 4.1 mi 5.3
Plainfield Central School Plainfield 5.1 mi 5.6
Plainfield Memorial School Plainfield 5.1 mi 4.8
ST JAMES SCHOOL Danielson 7.1 mi 5.0
Killingly Memorial School Danielson 7.6 mi 4.7
H. H. Ellis Technical High School Danielson 8.4 mi 4.5
Brooklyn Middle School Brooklyn 7.5 mi 4.0
Brooklyn Elementary School Brooklyn 7.5 mi 6.0
NORTHEAST CDT Danielson 8.8 mi
Quinebaug Middle College Danielson 8.8 mi 7.1
Voluntown Elementary School Voluntown 9.2 mi 6.2
Dr. Helen Baldwin Middle School Canterbury 7.3 mi 4.7
Canterbury Elementary School Canterbury 7.6 mi 4.7
Western Coventry School Coventry 7.6 mi 4.1
Capt. Isaac Paine El. School Foster 9.2 mi 8.1
Killingly Central School Dayville 10.2 mi 6.3
Killingly Intermediate School Dayville 10.6 mi 4.1
Killingly High School Dayville 10.9 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 06377 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$94,120

Median Home Value

$256,600

Median Rent

$1,565/mo

Population

2,905

College Educated

15.6%

Homeownership

80.2%

Avg Commute

35.9 min

Poverty Rate

15.8%

Median Age

41.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sterling Community School has a median household income of $94,120. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $256,600, with a median rent of $1,565/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.8%. The average commute in the area is 36 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Alfred W. Hanmer School Wethersfield, CT 6.2
Brookside Elementary School Norwalk, CT 6.2
Hopeville School Waterbury, CT 6.2
Naylor/CCSU Leadership Academy Hartford, CT 6.2
Voluntown Elementary School Voluntown, CT 6.2
Bear Path School Hamden, CT 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sterling Community School

What grades does Sterling Community School serve?

Sterling Community School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Sterling Community School?

Sterling Community School has an enrollment of approximately 319 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling Community School?

The student-teacher ratio at Sterling Community School is 10.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sterling Community School rank in CT?

Sterling Community School is ranked #528 out of 990 schools in CT.

What is Sterling Community School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sterling Community School has a composite rating of 6.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Sterling Community School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sterling Community School has 26.0% math proficiency and 43.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Sterling Community School a charter school?

No, Sterling Community School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Sterling Community School a Title I school?

No, Sterling Community School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sterling Community School?

36.4% of students at Sterling Community School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
319
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
36.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Connecticut Planning Region 5
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Sterling School District
District Enrollment
328
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$23,667
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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