Ross Shaw Sterling High School, also known as Sterling Aviation High School, is a secondary school located in Houston, Texas. Sterling, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Houston Independent School District. The school was named after Ross S. Sterling.
Serving 1,146 students in grades 9-12, Sterling High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 28% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,146 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 76% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sterling High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Sterling High School's student population of 1,146 students has declined by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,146 students
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Year Founded
1965
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Sterling High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sterling High School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7679 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
42%
54%
Black
55%
13%
White
1%
24%
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
76%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61.6%
23%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sterling High School's ranking?
Sterling High School is ranked #7679 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Sterling High School often compared to?
Sterling High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sterling High School, Codwell Elementary School, Frost Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 28% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sterling High School?
The graduation rate of Sterling High School is 76%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Sterling High School?
1,146 students attend Sterling High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Sterling High School students are Black, 42% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sterling High School?
Sterling High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Sterling High School offer ?
Sterling High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Sterling High School part of?
Sterling High School is part of Houston Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Sterling High School located?
Sterling High School is located in the Southeast Houston neighborhood of Houston, TX. There are 13 other public schools located in Southeast Houston.
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