Needs Improvement
#3651 of 3,813 schools in IL
Challand Middle School
Middle School · Sterling CUSD 5
1700 6th Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
3.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
3.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#3,651 of 3,813
In Sterling
#6 of 6
public schools
In district
#6 of 6
Sterling CUSD 5
Shortlisting around Challand Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Challand Middle School
Middle School in Sterling · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sterling High School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Jefferson Elem School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Challand Middle School
Challand Middle School is a public middle school in Sterling, IL, part of Sterling CUSD 5. Challand Middle School serves approximately 718 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Challand Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #3,651 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Challand Middle School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
- IL avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
31% of students at Challand Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Challand Middle School — Students at Challand Middle School score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
58.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.6/10.
How Challand Middle School Compares
See how Challand Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1700 6th Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Challand Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Chadwick-Milledgeville Elem Sch (rated 8.5/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Milledgeville), which scores notably higher. Another option is East Coloma - Nelson Elem Sch (rated 8.0/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Rock Falls), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Chadwick-Milledgeville Jr HS (rated 7.9/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Milledgeville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling High School Sterling | 0.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Jefferson Elem School Sterling | 0.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Lincoln Elem School Sterling | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Franklin Elem School Sterling | 0.7 mi | 5.3 |
| CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Sterling | 0.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Washington Elem School Sterling | 1.0 mi | 5.2 |
| NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sterling | 1.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Merrill Elem School Rock Falls | 1.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Rock Falls Township High School Rock Falls | 1.9 mi | 6.3 |
| ST ANDREW CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rock Falls | 2.2 mi | 7.2 |
| East Coloma - Nelson Elem Sch Rock Falls | 2.3 mi | 8.0 |
| Rock Falls Middle School Rock Falls | 2.7 mi | 7.3 |
| Dillon Elementary School Rock Falls | 2.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Riverdale PreSchool Center Rock Falls | 3.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Montmorency CCSD #145 Rock Falls | 5.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Chadwick-Milledgeville Elem Sch Milledgeville | 12.1 mi | 8.5 |
| Chadwick-Milledgeville Jr HS Milledgeville | 12.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Jefferson Elem School Dixon | 10.5 mi | 2.9 |
| Tampico Elem School Tampico | 13.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Dixon High School Dixon | 10.7 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 61081 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,854
Median Home Value
$121,000
Median Rent
$791/mo
Population
20,916
College Educated
20.2%
Homeownership
70.5%
Avg Commute
19.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Median Age
43.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Eisenhower Middle School Rockford, IL | 3.6 |
| John Deere Middle School Moline, IL | 3.6 |
| Washington Middle School Springfield, IL | 3.6 |
| Woodrow Wilson Middle School Moline, IL | 3.6 |
| Abraham Lincoln Middle School Rockford, IL | 3.7 |
| Ellis Middle School Elgin, IL | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Challand Middle School
What grades does Challand Middle School serve?
Challand Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Challand Middle School?
Challand Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 718 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Challand Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Challand Middle School is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Challand Middle School rank in IL?
Challand Middle School ranks #3,651 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Challand Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Challand Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Challand Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Challand Middle School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Challand Middle School a charter school?
No, Challand Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Challand Middle School a Title I school?
No, Challand Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Challand Middle School?
58.9% of students at Challand Middle 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 718
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 58.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Whiteside County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 30.8%
- Phone
- (815) 626-3300
Resources & Links
District
Sterling CUSD 5- District Enrollment
- 3,228
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,348
- District Rank
- #6 of 6
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.