Serving 374 students in grades 5-8, Sterling Middle 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 ≤1% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 374 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sterling Middle School serves a central area in Peoria, IL, covering approximately 5.8 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 2.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sterling Middle School's student population of 374 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
374 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Sterling Middle 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 Middle School is 0.43, 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
#3493 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
7%
29%
Black
74%
16%
White
8%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)54.3%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
12%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sterling Middle School's ranking?
Sterling Middle School is ranked #3493 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Sterling Middle School often compared to?
Sterling Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Von Steuben Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Sterling Middle School?
374 students attend Sterling Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Sterling Middle School students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are White, and 7% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sterling Middle School?
Sterling Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Sterling Middle School offer ?
Sterling Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8
What school district is Sterling Middle School part of?
Sterling Middle School is part of Peoria SD 150 School District.
School Reviews
Review Sterling Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
