Whiteside County Schools & Education
Whiteside County, Illinois
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,657
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#52
of 102 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Whiteside County, Illinois
Diverse School Options in Whiteside County
Whiteside County features 49 public schools, including 14 elementary, six middle, and 10 high schools. Eleven school districts manage this system, providing education to 8,439 total students across the county.
Steady Academic Results and Investment
The county achieves an 88.3% graduation rate, staying competitive with the national average of 87.0%. Spending reaches $9,657 per pupil, which exceeds the Illinois state average of $9,250 and supports a school score of 58.4.
Sterling CUSD 5 Leads the County
Sterling CUSD 5 is the largest district, serving 3,264 students across six schools. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county currently has zero charter schools in operation.
A Blend of Town and Country Schools
Most schools are located in town settings, with 37 town locales and 12 rural settings shaping the student experience. Sterling High School is the county's largest facility with 1,049 students, while the overall average school size remains manageable at 301 students.
Discover Homes in Growing School Districts
Prospective buyers can find a variety of educational environments near Sterling and Rock Falls. The county’s consistent academic performance and above-average state spending make it a reliable choice for families.
School Overview
Total Schools
49
in Whiteside County
Total Enrollment
8,439
students
School Districts
11
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
11 School Districts in Whiteside County
Sterling CUSD 5
Morrison CUSD 6
River Bend CUSD 2
Rock Falls ESD 13
Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD3
Erie CUSD 1
Rock Falls Twp HSD 301
East Coloma - Nelson CESD 20
Montmorency CCSD 145
Lee/Ogle/Whiteside ROE
49 Public Schools in Whiteside County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling High School | Sterling CUSD 5 | 9–12 | High | 1,049 |
| Challand Middle School | Sterling CUSD 5 | 6–8 | Middle | 710 |
| Rock Falls Township High School | Rock Falls Twp HSD 301 | 9–12 | High | 566 |
| Franklin Elem School | Sterling CUSD 5 | PK–2 | Primary | 414 |
| Fulton Elem School | River Bend CUSD 2 | KG–5 | Primary | 406 |
| Jefferson Elem School | Sterling CUSD 5 | PK–2 | Primary | 401 |
| Lincoln Elem School | Sterling CUSD 5 | 3–5 | Primary | 350 |
| Washington Elem School | Sterling CUSD 5 | 3–5 | Primary | 340 |
| Morrison High School | Morrison CUSD 6 | 9–12 | High | 296 |
| Fulton High School | River Bend CUSD 2 | 9–12 | High | 273 |
| Northside School | Morrison CUSD 6 | PK–2 | Primary | 252 |
| Dillon Elementary School | Rock Falls ESD 13 | KG–2 | Primary | 249 |
| Erie Elem School | Erie CUSD 1 | PK–4 | Primary | 246 |
| Merrill Elem School | Rock Falls ESD 13 | 3–5 | Primary | 246 |
| Prophetstown Elem School | Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD3 | PK–3 | Primary | 243 |
| Rock Falls Middle School | Rock Falls ESD 13 | 6–8 | Middle | 241 |
| Morrison Jr High School | Morrison CUSD 6 | 6–8 | Middle | 220 |
| East Coloma - Nelson Elem Sch | East Coloma - Nelson CESD 20 | PK–8 | Primary | 215 |
| Prophetstown High School | Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD3 | 9–12 | High | 214 |
| River Bend Middle School | River Bend CUSD 2 | 6–8 | Middle | 213 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,657
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Whiteside County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Whiteside County, Illinois?
Whiteside County features 49 public schools, including 14 elementary, six middle, and 10 high schools. Eleven school districts manage this system, providing education to 8,439 total students across the county.
How do schools in Whiteside County perform academically?
The county achieves an 88.3% graduation rate, staying competitive with the national average of 87.0%. Spending reaches $9,657 per pupil, which exceeds the Illinois state average of $9,250 and supports a school score of 58.4.
What are the major school districts in Whiteside County, Illinois?
Sterling CUSD 5 is the largest district, serving 3,264 students across six schools. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county currently has zero charter schools in operation.
What is the school experience like in Whiteside County?
Most schools are located in town settings, with 37 town locales and 12 rural settings shaping the student experience. Sterling High School is the county's largest facility with 1,049 students, while the overall average school size remains manageable at 301 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Whiteside County, Illinois?
Prospective buyers can find a variety of educational environments near Sterling and Rock Falls. The county’s consistent academic performance and above-average state spending make it a reliable choice for families.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.