Sterling High School

SHS is a great school. I say this for two reasons. First, the school has received three separate national awards which is extremely impressive. The US News and World Report ranks them in the top 10% of all high schools in the nation, and The Washington Post ranks them as one of the most rigorous high schools in the country. More impressively, SHS just received the prestigious Apple Distinguished School Award for its technology innovation. As a community member, SHS' awards are awesome and they make me proud to send my three children there. To be honest though, the quality of a school is not truly judged by its awards, but by its students. My three children have all attended SHS, and they would say that though it is not a prefect school, it is definitely a great school. They talk all the time about it being safe, having tons of activities, and educationally preparing them for college. Best of all, they talk about it being fun. As a parent, what more could you ask for from your school. We don't say it enough, but thanks SHS staff and administration for being such great role models to my children!

My son attends this school and as a mom, I can say that I am very pleased with the safe and secure environment of SHS. Additionally I am a collegiate teacher who values education. Due to the advanced curriculum, and the number of Advanced Placement courses offered at SHS, I know my son is being prepared for college with a rigorous college-bound curriculum.

the upsides about shs: music and arts departments, sports, ap courses offered (for a small town school), after-school clubs, and the building's aesthetics. BUT this school spends a RIDICULOUS amount of time, energy, and money on athletics. the administration reflects this athletic-focused culture, and seems to only care for academics in the form of state testing (which makes sense, because low scores will directly affect their jobs). thankfully, there are a few golden teachers who do care about broadening their student's education about the world outside of cornfields, Illinois. so if future plans involve a bachelor degree or less, i guess this place is okay. But if it involves further education at a high-caliber school (graduate/doctorate), consider a private school because shs can offer the books, but sub-par pacing and teaching really does make the difference between a top school and a mediocre one.

This school is obviously not the best of schools in america, but i can tell you that it has alot of love. Everyone in the school cares alot about others and even though we have almost 1200 kids, walking down the hall, it feels like you know everyone and everyone knows you. Everyone in this school is really accepting of others, although there is a high percentage of white students, other races are so easily accepted! The academics aren't the best, but if you try, you can go above and beyond. The teachers care so much and help so much with student life. There is a big focus on athletics for this school- we have almost every sport- except lacrosse! ): - and the coaches are super nice but also teach and discipline well. If sports aren't your thing, This school offers so many different clubs and extra cirriculars. If you like to sing and dance, our musicals and choirs are great! If you like to take photography and computers, the tech area is sooo cool! Everything about this school is absolutley amazing and its so gorgeous! its really old, but i love it, and i think anyone who goes here will love it too!