Photo: M.O. Stevens · CC BY-SA 3.0Salem’s public schools score below 69% of Oregon districts on tests and graduation
21% of students in Salem’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Oregon average (31%). 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 Oregon, not nationally.
From Oregon state tests taken in spring 2022, when 94% 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
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 199 Oregon towns with household incomes within a quarter of Salem’s, its schools beat 23%, lower than their 31% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 34% of tested students were proficient in reading and 21% in math, against 44% and 31% statewide; 94% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 81% across Oregon. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,915 per student, against $17,749 across Oregon (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
29 elementary schools, then nine middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Eagle Charter School, Howard Street Charter, Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School, Blanchet Catholic School (private), Queen of Peace Catholic School (private), Our Savior's Christian School (private), Buttercup Hill (private), St. Vincent de Paul Dual Language Immersion Schoo (private), St. Joseph School (private), Capital Christian School (private), Riviera Christian School (private), Little Friends Montessori School (private), Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and School (private) and Heritage School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
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
C: better than 31% of Oregon school districts, #105 of 142 Oregon towns. Both inputs trail the Oregon average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Salem, with each school’s own grade.
Salem’s public schools are run by Salem-Keizer School District 24J, which also serves Keizer. 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 Oregon towns that share Salem’s borders.
Every school in Salem
60 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Oregon’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Willamette Career Academy).
Questions about Salem’s schools
Are Salem’s schools good?
On Oregon’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Salem children attend score below 69% of Oregon’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #105 of 142 Oregon towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 23%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Salem in?
Salem-Keizer School District 24J, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 37,776 students in 65 schools (2024–25).
Where do Salem kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: McKay High School, South Salem High School, North Salem High School, Sprague High School and West Salem High School.
What is Salem’s graduation rate?
79% of the class of 2023 in Salem-Keizer School District 24J graduated in four years, against 81% across Oregon.
How much does Salem spend per student?
$17,915 in Salem-Keizer School District 24J (FY2024), against $17,749 across Oregon. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Salem?
Yes: Blanchet Catholic School (Catholic, grades 6–12, 396 students), Queen of Peace Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–5, 232 students), Our Savior's Christian School (religious, grades PK–5, 166 students), Buttercup Hill (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 154 students), St. Vincent de Paul Dual Language Immersion Schoo (Catholic, grades PK–5, 151 students), St. Joseph School (Catholic, grades K–8, 144 students), Capital Christian School (religious, grades PK–6, 130 students), Riviera Christian School (religious, grades PK–5, 130 students), Little Friends Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–5, 107 students), Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and School (religious, grades PK–8, 89 students) and Heritage School (nonsectarian, grades 1–8, 30 students). Salem also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
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 Oregon. Stars are from neighbors.