Serving 996 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 top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 22% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). 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 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 996 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 22% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sterling High School's student population of 996 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
996 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Sterling High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 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
#1876 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)22%
28%
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
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
39%
28%
Black
2%
16%
White
52%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
87%
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sterling High School's ranking?
Sterling High School is ranked #1876 out of 3,426 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?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% 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 88%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Sterling High School?
996 students attend Sterling High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Sterling High School students are White, 39% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
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 12/5/2010
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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