Photo: Mojo Hand · CC BY-SA 3.0Salem’s public schools outscore 77% of Virginia districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Salem, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. On the state math tests, 61% of Salem’s students scored proficient, above the Virginia average (54%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Virginia, not nationally.
From Virginia state tests taken in spring 2021, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Salem’s schools, in brief
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,030 per student, against $17,169 across Virginia (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Andrew Lewis Middle, then Salem High. Enrollment is down 8% since 2023–24. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Salem Montessori School (private) and Hopetree Academy (private) are in town. Virginia Virtual Academy at Salem, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2020–21, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Salem’s grade
A−: better than 77% of Virginia school districts, #57 of 250 Virginia towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Virginia average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Salem, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Salem
Salem High
Grades 9–12 · 1,202 students · 9:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Salem
Salem High
Grades 9–12 · 1,202 students · 9:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Salem
Salem High
Grades 9–12 · 1,202 students · 9:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Salem
Salem High
Grades 9–12 · 1,202 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Salem’s public schools are run by Salem City Public Schools. 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.
How students score
Salem vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Virginia towns that share Salem’s borders.
Every school in Salem
9 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Virginia’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Burton Center for Arts and Technology, Governor's STEM Academy at the Burton Center for Arts and Te and Salem Alternative).
Questions about Salem’s schools
Are Salem’s schools good?
By Virginia’s own tests, yes: the public schools Salem children attend outscore 77% of Virginia’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #57 of 250 Virginia towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 80%. Tests are from 2020–21, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Salem in?
Salem City Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,984 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Salem kids go to high school?
Salem High, with 1,202 students; its own test results earn an A−.
What is Salem’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Salem City Public Schools graduated in four years, against 89% across Virginia.
How much does Salem spend per student?
$14,030 in Salem City Public Schools (FY2024), against $17,169 across Virginia. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Salem?
Yes: Salem Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 183 students) and Hopetree Academy (special education, grades 7–12, 34 students).
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 (2020–21, 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 Virginia. Stars are from neighbors.