Sterling’s public schools outscore 65% of Alaska districts
On the state reading tests, 34% of Sterling’s students scored proficient, above the Alaska average (29%). The grade covers the public school district serving Sterling, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Alaska, not nationally.
From Alaska state tests taken in spring 2022, when 83% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Sterling’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 86 Alaska towns with household incomes within a quarter of Sterling’s, its schools beat 43%, lower than their 65% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 34% and math 25% in spring 2022, against 29% and 23% statewide; 80% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 78%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,255 per student, against $21,070 across Alaska (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then 20 middle schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is up 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Sterling’s grade
B+: better than 65% of Alaska school districts, #21 of 41 Alaska towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Alaska average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Sterling, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Sterling
Sterling Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 114 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Sterling’s public schools are run by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, which also serves Homer, Kachemak, Kenai and Seldovia and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Sterling vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alaska towns that share Sterling’s borders.
Every school in Sterling
21 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Alaska’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Sterling’s schools
Are Sterling’s schools good?
By Alaska’s own tests, yes: the public schools Sterling children attend outscore 65% of Alaska’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #21 of 41 Alaska towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 43%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Sterling in?
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 8,510 students in 42 schools (2024–25).
What is Sterling’s graduation rate?
80% of the class of 2023 in Kenai Peninsula Borough School District graduated in four years, against 78% across Alaska.
How much does Sterling spend per student?
$20,255 in Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (FY2024), against $21,070 across Alaska. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Sterling families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Sterling → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Alaska. Stars are from neighbors.