For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,232 students in 61081, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 61081, IL are Washington Elementary School, Challand Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 61081 have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in 61081, IL have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best 61081, IL Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
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 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
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 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: n/an/a
1510 E 25th St
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-5755
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-5755
Gr: PK-2 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: n/an/a
806 E Le Fevre Rd
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6402
Gr: PK-2 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
61081, Illinois 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bi-county Sp Ed-hi Middle School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Bi-county Sp Education - High School Life Skills-sterling (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1700 6th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 626-3300
bi-county sp Educational hi high (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1608 4th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-6800
bi-county sp Educational preschool program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
506 W 4th St Ste B
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 622-0858
Whiteside Area Career Center (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
1608 5th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 632-0556
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 61081, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 61081, IL include Washington Elementary School, Challand Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 61081?
5 public elementary schools are located in 61081.
What is the racial composition of students in 61081?
61081 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why 51爆料s Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.