Below Average
#2665 of 3,192 schools in MI
Sterling Elementary School
Elementary School · Standish-Sterling Community Schools
338 WEST STATE ST, Sterling, MI 48659
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#2,665 of 3,192
In district
#3 of 3
Standish-Sterling Community Schools
Equity
9.2 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Sterling Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Sterling Elementary School
Elementary School in Sterling · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Standishsterling Central Elementary School
3.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Standishsterling Central Jrsr High School
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Sterling Elementary School
Sterling Elementary School is a public elementary school in Sterling, MI, part of Standish-Sterling Community Schools. Sterling Elementary School serves approximately 174 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Sterling Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,665 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Sterling Elementary School show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2016) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2016).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- District avg 5.5
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
At 174 students, Sterling Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Sterling Elementary 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.
35% of students at Sterling Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Sterling Elementary School — Students at Sterling Elementary School score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
65.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2015-16)
Based on 16 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.5/10.
How Sterling Elementary School Compares
See how Sterling Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
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 9.5/10, 27.0 miles away, in nearby West Branch), which scores notably higher. Another option is Au GresSims Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Au Gres), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Surline Elementary School (rated 6.7/10, 19.9 miles away, in nearby West Branch), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 25.4 miNeighborhood 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dort Elementary School Roseville, MI | 4.7 |
| Knudsen Elementary School Waterford, MI | 4.7 |
| Richfield Public School Academy Early Learning Center PK2 Flint, MI | 4.7 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Monroe, MI | 4.7 |
| Cole Academy Lansing, MI | 4.8 |
| Hinks Elementary Alpena, MI | 4.8 |
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 ranks #2,665 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Sterling Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sterling Elementary School has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2016) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2016).
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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.1%
- Phone
- (989) 654-2367
Resources & Links
District
Standish-Sterling Community Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,482
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,371
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.