For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,253 students in 61081, IL (there are 3 private schools, serving 473 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in 61081, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in 61081, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 61081 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 61081, IL have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best 61081, IL Public Schools (2026)
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 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 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 | 726 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 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 | 999 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
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 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
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 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: n/an/a
806 E Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Gr: PK-2 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Roe 47 Student Support Alop
Alternative School
2214 E 4th St Ste B
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-1495
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-1495
Gr: 4-12
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 61081, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in 61081, IL include Bi-county-3-5 Life Skills-merrill, Washington Elementary School and Challand Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 61081?
12 public schools are located in 61081.
What percentage of students in 61081 go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in 61081 are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in 61081?
61081 public schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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