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 (26-27)
- 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
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
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%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
2%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Hispanic
37%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
2%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
53%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.9%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
Showing 2009–2025. View full 24-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
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 87.6%.
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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