Average
#525 of 967 schools in NE
Sterling Elementary School
Elementary School · STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
250 MAIN ST PO BOX 39, Sterling, NE 68443
Enrollment
143
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
143
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Nebraska schools
#525 of 967
In Sterling
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#2 of 2
STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
School environment
7.7 / 10
Very Good
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Sterling Elementary School
Elementary School in Sterling · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sterling High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Freeman High School
7.2 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, NE, part of STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Sterling Elementary School serves approximately 143 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Sterling Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #525 of 967 schools in NE.
Structured state assessment records for Sterling Elementary School show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.2 · Average
- NE avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
At 143 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Sterling Elementary School — Students at Sterling Elementary School score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from NE 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: 6.0/10.
How Sterling Elementary School Compares
See how Sterling Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
250 MAIN ST PO BOX 39, Sterling, NE 68443
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sterling Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. JOHNSON CO CENTRAL EL-TECUMSEH (rated 8.7/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Tecumseh), which scores notably higher. Another option is ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT SYRACUSE (rated 8.6/10, 17.1 miles away, in nearby Syracuse), which scores notably higher. Additionally, NORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Firth), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| STERLING HIGH SCHOOL Sterling | 0.0 mi | 6.5 |
| FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Adams | 7.2 mi | 8.6 |
| FREEMAN ELEMENTARY-ADAMS Adams | 7.2 mi | 6.1 |
| JOHNSON CO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Tecumseh | 11.5 mi | 4.9 |
| ST ANDREW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tecumseh | 11.5 mi | — |
| JOHNSON CO CENTRAL EL-TECUMSEH Tecumseh | 11.5 mi | 8.7 |
| LEWISTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lewiston | 15.1 mi | 5.5 |
| LEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL Lewiston | 15.1 mi | 5.6 |
| JOHNSON CO CENTRAL MIDDLE SCH Cook | 11.8 mi | 5.8 |
| JOHNSON CO CENTRAL ELEM-COOK Cook | 11.8 mi | 6.9 |
| JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL AT PALMYRA Palmyra | 16.9 mi | 7.3 |
| PALMYRA MIDDLE SCHOOL Palmyra | 16.9 mi | 3.8 |
| ELEMENTARY AT BENNET Bennet | 16.9 mi | 6.8 |
| NORRIS HIGH SCHOOL Firth | 15.2 mi | 6.1 |
| NORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Firth | 15.3 mi | 8.3 |
| ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT SYRACUSE Syracuse | 17.1 mi | 8.6 |
| NORRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Firth | 15.3 mi | 5.0 |
| NORRIS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Firth | 15.5 mi | 6.1 |
| MIDDLE SCHOOL AT SYRACUSE Syracuse | 17.5 mi | 7.7 |
| HIGH SCHOOL AT SYRACUSE Syracuse | 17.5 mi | 8.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 68443 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,250
Median Home Value
$181,500
Median Rent
$779/mo
Population
1,146
College Educated
28.3%
Homeownership
79.6%
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Median Age
42.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| FALLS CITY SOUTH ELEMENTARY Falls City, NE | 6.2 |
| MERIDIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Daykin, NE | 6.2 |
| NORTH WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sidney, NE | 6.2 |
| SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY-INDIANOLA Indianola, NE | 6.2 |
| ST MICHAEL SCHOOL South Sioux City, NE | 6.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fremont, NE | 6.2 |
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 6th.
How many students attend Sterling Elementary School?
Sterling Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 143 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sterling Elementary School is 13:1. 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 NE?
Sterling Elementary School ranks #525 of 967 schools in NE.
What is Sterling Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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?
39.9% 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 143
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Johnson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 9.8%
- Phone
- (402) 866-4761
Resources & Links
District
STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 224
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,973
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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