Average
#471 of 967 schools in NE
Top 49% in state
Sterling High School
High School · STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
250 MAIN ST PO BOX 39, Sterling, NE 68443
Enrollment
81
Student-Teacher
9:1
Score
6.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
81
Student-Teacher
9:1
Score
6.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Nebraska schools
#471 of 967
In Sterling
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#1 of 2
STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
School environment
7.1 / 10
Very Good
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Sterling High School
High School in Sterling · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sterling Elementary 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 High School
Sterling High School is a public high school in Sterling, NE, part of STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Sterling High School serves approximately 81 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. Sterling High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #471 of 967 schools in NE.
Structured state assessment records for Sterling High School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.5 · Average
- NE avg 6.7
What Parents Should Know
At 81 students, Sterling High 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.
At 9:1 students to teachers, Sterling High School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Sterling High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Sterling High School — Students at Sterling High 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
33.3%
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: 6.7/10.
How Sterling High School Compares
See how Sterling High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
250 MAIN ST PO BOX 39, Sterling, NE 68443
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sterling High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HIGH SCHOOL AT SYRACUSE (rated 8.9/10, 17.5 miles away, in nearby Syracuse), which scores notably higher. Another option is FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Adams), which scores notably higher. Additionally, JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL AT PALMYRA (rated 7.3/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Palmyra), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Sterling, see our Sterling schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| STERLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sterling | 0.0 mi | 6.2 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL Crawford, NE | 6.5 |
| HEARTLAND LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Grand Island, NE | 6.6 |
| ROCK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Bassett, NE | 6.6 |
| ANSLEY HIGH SCHOOL Ansley, NE | 6.3 |
| CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Cambridge, NE | 6.7 |
| DESHLER HIGH SCHOOL Deshler, NE | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sterling High School
What grades does Sterling High School serve?
Sterling High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Sterling High School?
Sterling High School has an enrollment of approximately 81 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sterling High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sterling High School is 9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sterling High School rank in NE?
Sterling High School ranks #471 of 967 schools in NE.
What is Sterling High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sterling High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sterling High School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Sterling High School a charter school?
No, Sterling High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sterling High School a Title I school?
No, Sterling High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sterling High School?
33.3% of students at Sterling High 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 81
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 9
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Johnson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 24.7%
- Phone
- (402) 866-4761
- 4-Year Graduation
- 50%+
Resources & Links
District
STERLING PUBLIC SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 224
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,973
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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