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Average

#1322 of 3,190 schools in MI

Top 41% in state

Based on limited data

Sterling Elementary School

Elementary School · Standish-Sterling Community Schools

338 WEST STATE ST, Sterling, MI 48659

Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on MI statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

174

Student-Teacher

15.8:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan elementary schools

#768 of 1,602

In district

#2 of 3

Standish-Sterling Community Schools

School environment

7.0 / 10

Strong

About Sterling Elementary School

Sterling Elementary School is a regular public elementary school located in the rural community of Sterling, Michigan. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 174 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.8:1, with 11 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The MySchoolScout rating for Sterling Elementary is 3.5 out of 10, placing it in the 16th percentile among Michigan schools based on state rankings.

While detailed test score data and academic performance metrics are not available, the school focuses on providing a supportive learning environment where students can develop foundational skills and grow academically. With its rural setting, Sterling Elementary School is embedded within a tight-knit community that values education and supports the well-being of each student. Sterling Elementary School serves as an integral part of the local community, offering students in this rural area a nurturing educational experience.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 174 students, Sterling Elementary School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Located in a rural area, Sterling Elementary 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

Partial Profile · 2/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics6.4Above Average49%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on MI state average
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.0Very Good51%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,565

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

65.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How Sterling Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.7/10
59th percentile in MI
Academic
6.4/10
6.4/10
Environment
7.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
66%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

Location

338 WEST STATE ST, Sterling, MI 48659

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sterling Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Rose City School (rated 9.2/10, 27.0 miles away, in nearby West Branch), which scores notably higher. Another option is Au GresSims Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Au Gres), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pinconning Central Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Pinconning), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 25.4 mi
School Distance Rating
StandishSterling Central Elementary School Standish 3.6 mi 7.1
StandishSterling Central JrSr High School Standish 3.8 mi 5.7
Pinconning High School Pinconning 12.8 mi 4.5
Pinconning Middle School Pinconning 12.8 mi 5.6
Pinconning Central Elementary School Pinconning 12.9 mi 7.2
WhittemorePrescott JrSr High School Whittemore 15.2 mi 5.6
WhittemorePrescott Area Elementary Whittemore 15.3 mi 4.4
Alternative Educational Academy of Ogemaw County West Branch 16.6 mi 6.2
Ogemaw Heights High School West Branch 19.5 mi 6.4
Linwood Elementary School Linwood 20.7 mi 6.1
Surline Elementary School West Branch 19.9 mi 5.4
Surline Middle School West Branch 19.9 mi 5.8
Au GresSims Elementary School Au Gres 16.4 mi 9.1
Au GresSims High School Au Gres 16.4 mi 7.4
Au GresSims Middle School Au Gres 16.4 mi 5.8
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Branch 20.1 mi 5.4
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Auburn 24.7 mi 5.5
Bangor Lincoln School Bay City 26.5 mi 5.0
Rose City School West Branch 27.0 mi 9.2
PINECREST SCHOOL Hale 25.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48659 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,021

Median Home Value

$118,900

Median Rent

$857/mo

Population

2,740

College Educated

11.6%

Homeownership

86.7%

Avg Commute

28.8 min

Poverty Rate

16.9%

Median Age

38.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sterling Elementary School has a median household income of $58,021. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $118,900, with a median rent of $857/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.9%. The average commute for residents is 29 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
3246 PIERCE Beverly Hills, MI 6.7
Ann J Kellogg School Battle Creek, MI 6.7
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC ACADEMY Detroit, MI 6.7
Palms Elementary School Ira, MI 6.7
Pittsfield School Ann Arbor, MI 6.7
ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rockford, MI 6.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sterling Elementary School

What grades does Sterling Elementary School serve?

Sterling Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Sterling Elementary School?

Sterling Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 174 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Sterling Elementary School is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sterling Elementary School rank in MI?

Sterling Elementary School is ranked #1322 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Sterling Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sterling Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.7 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.

Is Sterling Elementary School a charter school?

No, Sterling Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Sterling Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Sterling Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sterling Elementary School?

65.5% of students at Sterling Elementary 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

County Safety
Elevated (704/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
65.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Arenac County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Standish-Sterling Community Schools
District Enrollment
1,482
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,371
District Rank
#2 of 3

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 methodology

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