Excellent
#68 of 1,293 schools in KS
Top 5% in state
Sterling Grade School
Elementary School · Sterling
218 5th, Sterling, KS 67579
Enrollment
271
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
8.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
271
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
8.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sterling
#1 of 2
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#65 of 711
In district
#1 of 2
Sterling
Academic performance
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Sterling Grade School
Sterling Grade School is a regular public school serving 271 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Sterling, Kansas. The school earns a composite score of 9.1 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with an academic score of 9.8 and a growth score of 9.1. Both figures are well above average, reflecting a school where students achieve strong current proficiency and continue to build on it year after year.
The statewide comparison puts the performance in sharp relief. Sterling Grade School ranks 50th among 711 elementary schools in Kansas, outperforming 96% of all public schools statewide. That combination of a top-percentile statewide ranking and a top-tier position within the elementary category signals consistent, multi-dimensional results rather than a single strong measure.
With a student-teacher ratio of 14.3 to 1, students receive focused, individual attention across seven grade levels. At 271 students, the school is small enough to maintain tight classroom relationships from pre-K through sixth grade. For families in Sterling, this is the top-ranked public school in the city, and one of only 51 schools — out of 1,293 public schools across Kansas — performing at this level.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Sterling Grade 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
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Sterling Grade School — Students at Sterling Grade School score 64% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from KS state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.1/10.
How Sterling Grade School Compares
See how Sterling Grade School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 57% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
218 5th, Sterling, KS 67579
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sterling Grade School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Nickerson Elem (rated 8.3/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Nickerson), with a comparable rating. Another option is Lyons Park Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Lyons), with a comparable rating. Additionally, HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 17.6 miles away, in nearby Hutchinson), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling Junior High/Senior High Sterling | 0.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Lyons Middle School Lyons | 8.7 mi | 8.2 |
| Lyons High School Lyons | 8.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Nickerson High Nickerson | 7.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Central State Academy Hutchinson | 7.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Lyons Central Elementary Lyons | 9.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Nickerson Elem Nickerson | 7.9 mi | 8.3 |
| Lyons Park Elementary Lyons | 9.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Chase Raymond Primary Intermediate School Chase | 12.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Chase High Chase | 12.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Reno Valley Middle School Hutchinson | 15.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Little River Junior High Little River | 16.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Little River High Little River | 16.7 mi | 8.5 |
| PILGRIM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hutchinson | 17.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Wiley Elementary Hutchinson | 16.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Morgan Elementary Hutchinson | 16.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen Hutchinson | 17.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Hutchinson Middle School 8 Hutchinson | 17.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Hutchinson Virtual School Hutchinson | 17.9 mi | 3.6 |
| HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Hutchinson | 17.6 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67579 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,977
Median Home Value
$149,400
Median Rent
$618/mo
Population
2,971
College Educated
36.6%
Homeownership
80.3%
Avg Commute
21.7 min
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Median Age
32.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Sterling Grade School has a median household income of $56,977. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $149,400, with a median rent of $618/month. The local poverty rate of 5.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| Bennington Elem Bennington, KS | 8.8 |
| Fort Riley Elem Fort Riley, KS | 8.8 |
| Sedan Elem Sedan, KS | 8.8 |
| Spearville Elem Spearville, KS | 8.8 |
| Washington Elem Junction City, KS | 8.8 |
| West Bourbon Elementary Uniontown, KS | 8.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sterling Grade School
What grades does Sterling Grade School serve?
Sterling Grade School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Sterling Grade School?
Sterling Grade School has an enrollment of approximately 271 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling Grade School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sterling Grade School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sterling Grade School rank in KS?
Sterling Grade School is ranked #68 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Sterling Grade School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling Grade School has a composite rating of 8.8 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 Grade School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sterling Grade School has 67.0% math proficiency and 55.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Sterling Grade School a charter school?
No, Sterling Grade School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sterling Grade School a Title I school?
No, Sterling Grade School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sterling Grade School?
40.2% of students at Sterling Grade 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 271
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Rice County
- Phone
- (620) 278-3112
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Sterling- District Enrollment
- 511
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,437
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
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.
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