Sterling High School is a four year public high school located in Sterling, Illinois. The school district includes Sterling, the village of Coleta, and the census-designated places of Como and Galt.
Serving 999 students in grades 9-12, Sterling High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 999 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sterling High School's attendance zone covers the entire district of Sterling, IL, encompassing approximately 120.1 square miles. Typically, students can expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being 6.8 miles and the furthest edge located 10.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sterling High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Sterling High School's student population of 999 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
999 students
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Colors
Navy Blue, Gold
School Motto
Where Kids Achieve!
School Rankings
Sterling High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sterling High School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2248 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
37%
29%
Black
2%
16%
White
53%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.9%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Golden Warriors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sterling High School's ranking?
Sterling High School is ranked #2248 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Sterling High School often compared to?
Sterling High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rock Falls Township High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sterling High School?
The graduation rate of Sterling High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Sterling High School?
999 students attend Sterling High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Sterling High School students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sterling High School?
Sterling High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Sterling High School offer ?
Sterling High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Sterling High School part of?
Sterling High School is part of Sterling CUSD 5 School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
If you are looking at this school to bring your child to, here's some helpful advice: don't. This school is mostly run on an athletic mentality. The administration respects the student more and let them get away with more than what they should because they are in sports. The 'quality' of teachers is embarrassing; everyone of them that I've had complained about the pay and how they want to leave the school. There is hardly ANY parent involvement whatsoever. If you want parent involvement, go to Morrison. Whatever you do as the parent, don't bring your child to Sterling. Not even as a last resort.
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