For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 996 students in Sterling, IL.
The top-ranked public high school in Sterling, IL is Sterling High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sterling, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Sterling have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Sterling, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Sterling High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Sterling, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: 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 high schools in Sterling, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Sterling, IL include Sterling High School.
How many public high schools are located in Sterling?
2 public high schools are located in Sterling.
What is the racial composition of students in Sterling?
Sterling public high schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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