Photo: Felipe Galoppini · Public domainSterling’s public schools score below 62% of Colorado districts on tests and graduation
On the state reading tests, 26% of Sterling’s students scored proficient, below the Colorado average (45%). 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 Colorado, not nationally.
From Colorado state tests taken in spring 2022, when 89% 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
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 73 Colorado towns with household incomes within a quarter of Sterling’s, its schools beat 47%, higher than their 38% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 26% of tested students were proficient in reading and 20% in math, against 45% and 32% statewide; 89% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83% across Colorado (the state reports Sterling’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,242 per student, against $15,889 across Colorado (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Campbell Elementary School, then Sterling Middle School, then Sterling High School. Enrollment is down 9% 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
C+: better than 38% of Colorado school districts, #128 of 159 Colorado towns. Graduation is above the Colorado average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Sterling, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Sterling
Hagen Early Education Center
Grades PK · 117 students · 27:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Sterling
Ayres Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 385 students · 14:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Sterling
Ayres Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 385 students · 14:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Sterling
Ayres Elementary School
Grades K–2 · 385 students · 14:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Sterling
Campbell Elementary School
Grades 3–5 · 347 students · 18:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Sterling
Campbell Elementary School
Grades 3–5 · 347 students · 18:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Sterling
Campbell Elementary School
Grades 3–5 · 347 students · 18:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Sterling
Sterling Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Sterling
Sterling Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Sterling
Sterling Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 14:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Sterling
Sterling High School
Grades 9–12 · 421 students · 16:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Sterling
Sterling High School
Grades 9–12 · 421 students · 16:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Sterling
Sterling High School
Grades 9–12 · 421 students · 16:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Sterling
Sterling High School
Grades 9–12 · 421 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Sterling’s public schools are run by Valley School District RE-1, which also serves Crook and Iliff. 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.
Well below the state in reading
Sterling vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Colorado towns that share Sterling’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling | C+ | Valley School District RE-1 |
Every school in Sterling
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Colorado’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Sterling’s schools
Are Sterling’s schools good?
On Colorado’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Sterling children attend score below 62% of Colorado’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #128 of 159 Colorado towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 47%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Sterling in?
Valley School District RE-1, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,910 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Sterling kids go to high school?
Sterling High School, with 421 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Sterling’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Valley School District RE-1 graduated in four years, against 83% across Colorado.
How much does Sterling spend per student?
$15,242 in Valley School District RE-1 (FY2024), against $15,889 across Colorado. 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 Colorado. Stars are from neighbors.