For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,232 students in Sterling, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Sterling, IL are Washington Elementary School, Challand Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sterling, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Sterling have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Sterling, IL (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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
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%
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 elementary schools in Sterling, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Sterling, IL include Washington Elementary School, Challand Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Sterling?
5 public elementary schools are located in Sterling.
What is the racial composition of students in Sterling?
Sterling public elementary schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Sterling are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Sterling include: Washington Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Washington Elementary School
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