Zip code 08049 is not served by one district. An elementary district and a separate secondary district each cover this area, which is normal in this state — which one your child attends depends on their grade.
| GRADES | DISTRICT | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| K–8 Elementary | Magnolia Borough School District 399 students · 1 school | 2/10 |
| 9–12 Secondary | Sterling High School School District 911 students · 1 school | 1/10 |
| Metric | Sterling High School School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 911 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 1 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $25,127/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 43% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling High School School District (this district) | 1/10 | 5th | 911 |
| Lawnside Borough School District | 1/10 | 4th | 332 |
| Barrington Borough School District | 6/10 | 57th | 558 |
| Black Horse Pike Regional School District | Not rated | — | 3,600 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 321 rated districts in NJ → 5th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Sterling High School — 1.4 mi · Grades 9–12 · 839 students
About Sterling High School School District
Zip code 08049 in Sterling, New Jersey is served by Sterling High School School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades 9th – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Sterling High School School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Sterling High School School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because New Jersey is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Sterling High School School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in New Jersey on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 08049
Children in zip code 08049 are assigned to Sterling High School School District for public school enrollment, covering grades 9th – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 08049, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Sterling High School School District at (856)784-3545 or visit www.sterling.k12.nj.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Jersey districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Magnolia
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Sterling High School School District serves zip code 08049, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 08049. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In New Jersey, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Sterling High School School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 08049.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Sterling High School School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 08049 data.