For the 2026 school year, there are 3 private schools serving 441 students in Sterling, IL (there are 12 public schools, serving 3,253 public students). 12% of all K-12 students in Sterling, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top-ranked private school in Sterling, IL is Newman Central Catholic High School.
The average acceptance rate is 100%, which is higher than the Illinois private school average acceptance rate of 84%.
100% of private schools in Sterling, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Top-Ranked Sterling Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1101 W 23rd St
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-0500
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-0500
Gr: 9-12 | 203 students Avg. class size: 28 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2000 18th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-3800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-3800
Gr: PK-8 | 50 students Avg. class size: 10 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Mary Grade School
(Catholic)
6 W 6th St
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2253
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-2253
Gr: PK-8 | 188 students Tuition listed
Overview
This Town (Sterling)
This State (IL)
# Schools
3 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
441 Students
251,460 Students
% Average Students of Color
19%
34%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
34 Teachers
18,861 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
53%
Average Class Size
19 students
17 students
Average Number of AP Courses
5 courses
11 courses
Average ACT score
23
(Out of 36)
25
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$3,980
$12,508
Average Summer Program Cost
$1,500
$949
Average % on Financial Aid
35%
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$850
$4,102
Average Acceptance Rate
100%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.48
0.66
# American Indian Students
1 Student
605 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
11 Students
10,490 Students
% Asian Students
2%
4%
# Hispanic Students
57 Students
25,056 Students
% Hispanic Students
12%
10%
# Black Students
13 Students
21,056 Students
% Black Students
3%
9%
# White Students
335 Students
129,065 Students
% White Students
70%
51%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
338 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
61 Students
65,224 Students
% of Others Students
13%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
4 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
14 sports
6 sports
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Sterling, IL?
The top-ranked private schools in Sterling, IL is Newman Central Catholic High School.
How many private schools are located in Sterling?
3 private schools are located in Sterling.
What percentage of students in Sterling go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Sterling are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Sterling?
100% of private schools in Sterling are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod).
Which private schools in Sterling are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Sterling include: Christ Lutheran School vs. St. Mary Grade School, St. Mary Grade School vs. Christ Lutheran School
Recent Articles
How to Ask About Staff Screening Without Apologizing
Parents should feel comfortable asking how private schools screen employees. Learn which questions matter, what answers to expect, and why transparency about hiring and student safety is a hallmark of a well-managed school.
What Facility Safety Tells You About School Oversight
A school's facilities reveal far more than appearance. Learn how building maintenance, emergency preparedness, and campus safety practices can help parents evaluate school leadership, oversight, and long-term commitment to student well-being.
Is the School Legally a School? A Parent Verification Checklist
Before enrolling your child in a private school, learn how to verify that it is legally operating, properly accredited, and authorized to issue recognized diplomas with this practical parent checklist for making a confident school choice.