Average
#1671 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 44% in state
Sterling High School
High School · Sterling CUSD 5
1608 4th Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Enrollment
996
Student-Teacher
18.8:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
996
Student-Teacher
18.8:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#1,671 of 3,813
In Sterling
#1 of 6
public schools
In district
#1 of 6
Sterling CUSD 5
Academic growth
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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Sterling High School
High School in Sterling · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Challand Middle School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Jefferson Elem School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Sterling High School
Sterling High School is a public high school in Sterling, IL, part of Sterling CUSD 5. Sterling High School serves approximately 996 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Sterling High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,671 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Sterling High School show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.5 · Average
- IL avg 6.6
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Sterling High School — Students at Sterling High School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.6%
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: 8.5/10.
How Sterling High School Compares
See how Sterling High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1608 4th Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sterling High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Chadwick-Milledgeville Jr HS (rated 7.9/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Milledgeville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rock Falls Township High School (rated 6.3/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Rock Falls), with a very similar rating. Additionally, NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 1.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Challand Middle School Sterling | 0.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Jefferson Elem School Sterling | 0.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Lincoln Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 4.3 |
| Franklin Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 5.3 |
| CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Sterling | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Washington Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 5.2 |
| NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sterling | 1.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Merrill Elem School Rock Falls | 1.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Rock Falls Township High School Rock Falls | 1.8 mi | 6.3 |
| ST ANDREW CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rock Falls | 2.1 mi | 7.2 |
| East Coloma - Nelson Elem Sch Rock Falls | 2.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Rock Falls Middle School Rock Falls | 2.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Dillon Elementary School Rock Falls | 2.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Riverdale PreSchool Center Rock Falls | 3.3 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 |
| Tampico Elem School Tampico | 13.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Jefferson Elem School Dixon | 10.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Dixon High School Dixon | 10.9 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 |
|---|---|
| Carbondale Comm H S Carbondale, IL | 6.5 |
| DEPAUL COLLEGE PREP Chicago, IL | 6.5 |
| North Chicago Community High Sch North Chicago, IL | 6.5 |
| Steinmetz College Prep HS Chicago, IL | 6.5 |
| Clemente Community Academy HS Chicago, IL | 6.4 |
| Hyde Park Academy High School Chicago, IL | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sterling High School
What grades does Sterling High School serve?
Sterling High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Sterling High School?
Sterling High School has an enrollment of approximately 996 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sterling High School is 18.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sterling High School rank in IL?
Sterling High School ranks #1,671 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Sterling High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Sterling High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sterling High School has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Sterling High School a charter school?
No, Sterling High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sterling High School a Title I school?
No, Sterling High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sterling High School?
51.6% of students at Sterling High 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 996
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 53
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Whiteside County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.0%
- Phone
- (815) 625-6800
Resources & Links
District
Sterling CUSD 5- District Enrollment
- 3,228
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,348
- District Rank
- #1 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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