For the 2025-26 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,228 students in Sterling, IL (there are , serving 441 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Sterling, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Sterling, IL are Bi-county-3-5 Life Skills-merrill, Washington Elementary School and Challand Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sterling, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Sterling have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Sterling, IL (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bi-county-3-5 Life Skills-merrill
Special Education School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
815 W Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2372
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2372
Rank: #22.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
815 W Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2372
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2372
Gr: 3-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #33.
Challand Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Gr: 6-8 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Sterling High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1608 4th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Gr: 9-12 | 996 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1501 E 6th St
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-1449
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-1449
Gr: 3-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: n/an/a
Bi-county Sp Ed-transition Life S
Special Education School
1900 W Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Rank: n/an/a
Bi-county Sped High School
Special Education School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-8510
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-8510
Rank: n/an/a
Bi-county-k-2 Life Skills-dillon
Special Education School
806 E Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Rank: n/an/a
1510 E 25th St
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-5755
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-5755
Gr: PK-2 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: n/an/a
806 E Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Gr: PK-2 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Whiteside Area Career
Vocational School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-5810
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-5810
Gr: 11-12
Sterling, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bi-county Sp Ed-hi Middle School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Bi-county Sp Education - High School Life Skills-sterling (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
bi-county sp Educational hi high (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1608 4th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
bi-county sp Educational preschool program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
506 W 4th St Ste B
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Whiteside Area Career Center (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Sterling, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Sterling, IL include Bi-county-3-5 Life Skills-merrill, Washington Elementary School and Challand Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Sterling?
11 public schools are located in Sterling.
What percentage of students in Sterling go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Sterling are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Sterling?
Sterling public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Sterling are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Sterling include: Washington Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Washington Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.
