Average
#2585 of 3,813 schools in IL
Sterling High School
High School · Sterling CUSD 5
1608 4th Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Enrollment
996
Student-Teacher
18.8:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
996
Student-Teacher
18.8:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sterling
#3 of 6
public schools
Illinois high schools
#506 of 703
In district
#3 of 6
Sterling CUSD 5
About Sterling High School
Sterling High School serves 996 students in grades 9-12 in Sterling, Illinois, with a student-teacher ratio of 18.8:1 across 53 full-time equivalent teachers. This regular public high school ranks in the 19th percentile statewide, placing it at #3081 out of 3819 Illinois high schools, indicating significant room for academic growth. The school's current academic performance shows 17% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading across grade levels, suggesting the need for continued focus on literacy development and student support.
With nearly 1,000 students, Sterling High represents a substantial educational presence in this Whiteside County community. The surrounding 61081 ZIP code reflects a working-class community with a median household income of $57,618 and median home values around $120,000. About 19% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 12.5% among the ZIP code's 21,138 residents.
These demographics highlight both the challenges and opportunities within the local community. Sterling High School operates within a town setting that provides students with a close-knit educational environment while serving as an important community institution in this Illinois town of over 21,000 residents.
Score 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: 25%).
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 5 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: 5.6/10.
How Sterling High School Compares
See how Sterling High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 22% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 17% (2022).
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 8.0/10, 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), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 1.1 miles away), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Challand Middle School Sterling | 0.2 mi | 5.7 |
| Jefferson Elem School Sterling | 0.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Lincoln Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Franklin Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 4.7 |
| CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Sterling | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Washington Elem School Sterling | 0.8 mi | 6.1 |
| NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sterling | 1.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Merrill Elem School Rock Falls | 1.8 mi | 8.5 |
| 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 | 5.4 |
| Rock Falls Middle School Rock Falls | 2.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Dillon Elementary School Rock Falls | 2.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Riverdale PreSchool Center Rock Falls | 3.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Montmorency CCSD #145 Rock Falls | 5.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Chadwick-Milledgeville Elem Sch Milledgeville | 12.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Chadwick-Milledgeville Jr HS Milledgeville | 12.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Tampico Elem School Tampico | 13.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Jefferson Elem School Dixon | 10.6 mi | 4.9 |
| Dixon High School Dixon | 10.9 mi | 4.2 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Sterling High School 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.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Belvidere High School Belvidere, IL | 5.6 |
| Carterville High School Carterville, IL | 5.6 |
| Freeburg Community High Sch Freeburg, IL | 5.6 |
| Kewanee High School Kewanee, IL | 5.6 |
| Murphysboro High School Murphysboro, IL | 5.6 |
| East Peoria High School East Peoria, IL | 5.5 |
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 is ranked #2585 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Sterling High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling High School has a composite rating of 5.6 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 High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sterling High School has 25.5% math proficiency and 25.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Sterling). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (815) 625-6800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Sterling CUSD 5- District Enrollment
- 3,228
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,348
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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