Photo: Smallbones · Public domainSalem’s public schools score below 87% of New Jersey districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 6% of Salem’s students scored proficient, below the New Jersey average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Salem, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New Jersey, not nationally.
From New Jersey state tests taken in spring 2022, when 89% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Salem’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 12 New Jersey towns with household incomes within a quarter of Salem’s, its schools beat 33%, higher than their 13% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 15% of tested students were proficient in reading and 6% in math, against 49% and 36% statewide; 89% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey (the state reports Salem’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $28,822 per student, against $28,441 across New Jersey (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Salem Middle School, then Salem High School. Enrollment is up 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Salem’s grade
D: better than 13% of New Jersey school districts, #421 of 465 New Jersey towns. Graduation is above the New Jersey average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Salem, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Salem
John Fenwick Academy
Grades PK–2 · 387 students · 17:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Salem
John Fenwick Academy
Grades PK–2 · 387 students · 17:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Salem
John Fenwick Academy
Grades PK–2 · 387 students · 17:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Salem
Salem High School
Grades 9–12 · 393 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Salem
Salem High School
Grades 9–12 · 393 students · 11:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Salem
Salem High School
Grades 9–12 · 393 students · 11:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Salem
Salem High School
Grades 9–12 · 393 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Salem’s public schools are run by Salem City School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Salem vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New Jersey towns that share Salem’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Salem | D | Salem City |
| Mannington | A− | Mannington Township |
| Elsinboro | B | Elsinboro Township |
| Pennsville | C− | Pennsville Township |
| Quinton | C− | Quinton Township |
Every school in Salem
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New Jersey’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Salem’s schools
Are Salem’s schools good?
On New Jersey’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Salem children attend score below 87% of New Jersey’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #421 of 465 New Jersey towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 33%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Salem in?
Salem City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,252 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
Where do Salem kids go to high school?
Salem High School, with 393 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Salem’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Salem City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across New Jersey.
How much does Salem spend per student?
$28,822 in Salem City School District (FY2024), against $28,441 across New Jersey. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Salem families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Salem → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New Jersey. Stars are from neighbors.