| Metric | Sterling Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 224 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 31% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Public Schools (this district) | 4/10 | 37th | 224 |
| Papillion-La Vista Community Schools | NR | — | 14,000 |
| Elkhorn Public Schools | 10/10 | 99th | 11,319 |
| Lincoln Public Schools | 6/10 | 53rd | 41,850 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 238 rated districts in NE → 37th percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- STERLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–6 · 143 students
- STERLING HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 7–12 · 81 students
About Sterling Public Schools
Sterling Public Schools serves zip code 68443, covering Sterling, Nebraska with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Sterling Public Schools 4 out of 10 — below average among Nebraska public school districts. 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 Nebraska is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
⚠️ Small-district caveat. Sterling Public Schools enrolls 224 students. A percentile rank drawn from so few test-takers is statistically unstable — it can move several points from one year to the next on normal variation alone, and a single class of students can swing it. Treat this rating as a rough signal rather than a precise ranking, and look at the school-level detail below before drawing conclusions.
Sterling Public Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Nebraska benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 68443
Children in zip code 68443 are assigned to Sterling Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 68443, 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 Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Nebraska 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 Sterling
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Sterling Public Schools serves zip code 68443, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 68443. 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 Nebraska, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Sterling Public Schools 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 68443.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Sterling Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 68443 data.