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Excellent

#18 of 1,294 schools in KS

Top 1% in state

Sterling Grade School

Elementary School · Sterling

218 5th, Sterling, KS 67579

Enrollment

271

Student-Teacher

14.3:1

Score

9.3

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#18 of 1,294

In Sterling

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Sterling

Academic performance

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Sterling Grade School

9.3/10

Elementary School in Sterling · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Sterling Junior High/senior High

8.4/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Lyons Middle School

5.2/10

8.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Sterling Grade School

Sterling Grade School is a public elementary school in Sterling, KS, part of Sterling. Sterling Grade School serves approximately 271 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Sterling Grade School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.3 out of 10 and ranks #18 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for Sterling Grade School show 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.4 pts above KS schools
  • This school 9.3 · Excellent
  • KS avg 6.9

What Parents Should Know

Sterling Grade School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.5Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.1 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics9.9Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency82.8% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency68.2% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency75% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected+29.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile99th
Resources & Environment7.8Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,437
Chronic Absenteeism8.5%

Sterling Grade School — Students at Sterling Grade School score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 76.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 68.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 38 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2010
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
67%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
83.5%
ELA
69.6%

* 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: 9.5/10.

How Sterling Grade School Compares

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

Overall Score
9.3/10
99th percentile in KS
Academic
9.9/10
Excellent
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
7.8/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
40%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
8.5%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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 8.0/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Nickerson), a more accessible option. Another option is Lyons Park Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Lyons), a more accessible option. 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 8.4
Lyons Middle School Lyons 8.7 mi 5.2
Lyons High School Lyons 8.8 mi 4.8
Nickerson High Nickerson 7.7 mi 6.6
Central State Academy Hutchinson 7.7 mi 3.9
Lyons Central Elementary Lyons 9.5 mi 5.4
Nickerson Elem Nickerson 7.9 mi 8.0
Lyons Park Elementary Lyons 9.6 mi 8.0
Chase Raymond Primary Intermediate School Chase 12.9 mi 7.2
Chase High Chase 12.9 mi 5.8
Reno Valley Middle School Hutchinson 15.5 mi 5.6
Little River Junior High Little River 16.7 mi 7.3
Little River High Little River 16.7 mi 8.3
PILGRIM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hutchinson 17.4 mi 5.3
Wiley Elementary Hutchinson 16.5 mi 5.1
Morgan Elementary Hutchinson 16.9 mi 5.4
Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen Hutchinson 17.4 mi 6.3
Hutchinson Middle School 8 Hutchinson 17.4 mi 3.8
Hutchinson Virtual School Hutchinson 17.9 mi 3.7
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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Eisenhower Elem Fort Leavenworth, KS 9.3
Mission Trail Elementary Leawood, KS 9.4
Morse Elementary Overland Park, KS 9.2
Silver Lake Elem Silver Lake, KS 9.2
Wabaunsee Elementary School Alma, KS 9.2
Abilene Elem Valley Center, KS 9.5

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 ranks #18 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is Sterling Grade School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sterling Grade School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.3 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 Grade School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sterling Grade School has 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
39 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
42 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
8.5%

District

Sterling
District Enrollment
511
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,437
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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