Joseph C Sterling Elementary School

160 Fessner Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 370 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Joseph C Sterling Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 370 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 8%
  • : Top 10% in MI
  • : 60-64% (Top 10%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Joseph C Sterling Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Joseph C Sterling Elementary School's student population of 370 students has grown by 35% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
370 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar

School Rankings

Joseph C Sterling Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Joseph C Sterling Elementary School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (MI)
#229 out of 3025 schools
(Top 10%)
60-64%
35%
65-69%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
4%
9%
Black
1%
18%
White
92%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.15
(22-23)
19.2%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joseph C Sterling Elementary School's ranking?
Joseph C Sterling Elementary School is ranked #229 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Joseph C Sterling Elementary School often compared to?
Joseph C Sterling Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Loren Eyler Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Joseph C Sterling Elementary School?
370 students attend Joseph C Sterling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Joseph C Sterling Elementary School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Joseph C Sterling Elementary School?
Joseph C Sterling Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Joseph C Sterling Elementary School offer ?
Joseph C Sterling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Joseph C Sterling Elementary School part of?
Joseph C Sterling Elementary School is part of Airport Community Schools.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 370 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 8%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 60-64% (Top 10%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

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