For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 996 students in Sterling, IL.
The top-ranked public high school in Sterling, IL is Sterling High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sterling, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Sterling have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Sterling, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Sterling High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Sterling, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sterling High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1608 4th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Gr: 9-12 | 996 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
Whiteside Area Career
Vocational School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-5810
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-5810
Gr: 11-12
Sterling, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bi-county Sp Ed-hi Middle School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Bi-county Sp Education - High School Life Skills-sterling (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
bi-county sp Educational hi high (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1608 4th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
bi-county sp Educational preschool program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
506 W 4th St Ste B
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Whiteside Area Career Center (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Sterling, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Sterling, IL include Sterling High School.
How many public high schools are located in Sterling?
2 public high schools are located in Sterling.
What is the racial composition of students in Sterling?
Sterling public high schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Do We Still Need Libraries in Public Schools in 2026
An updated look at the role of public school libraries in 2026, their impact on literacy, equity, and digital learning, and why they remain essential today.
The History of Public Schools in the United States
Explore the history of public schools in the U.S., from colonial roots to 2026 reforms shaping equity, funding, and classroom innovation.
Special-Program Registration Deadlines Explained
Learn what to know about special-program registration deadlines for magnet, CTE, and dual-enrollment options in public schools.