Photo: Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) · CC BY-SA 2.5Salem’s public schools outscore 79% of West Virginia districts
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 West Virginia, not nationally.
From West Virginia state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% 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 107 West Virginia towns with household incomes within a quarter of Salem’s, its schools beat 85%, higher than their 79% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 44% and math 33% in spring 2022, against 41% and 32% statewide; 96% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 93%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,580 per student, against $15,637 across West Virginia (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then five middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. 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
A−: better than 79% of West Virginia school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the West 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.
Kindergarten in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Salem
Salem Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 173 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Salem’s public schools are run by Harrison County School District, which also serves Anmoore, Bridgeport, Clarksburg and Lost Creek and others. 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.
Above the state in reading
Salem vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the West Virginia towns that share Salem’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Salem | A− | Harrison County |
Every school in Salem
11 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with West Virginia’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Salem’s schools
Are Salem’s schools good?
By West Virginia’s own tests, yes: the public schools Salem children attend outscore 79% of West Virginia’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 85%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Salem in?
Harrison County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 9,358 students in 24 schools (2024–25).
Where do Salem kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Bridgeport High School, Robert C Byrd High School, Lincoln High School, South Harrison High School and Liberty High School.
What is Salem’s graduation rate?
96% of the class of 2023 in Harrison County School District graduated in four years, against 93% across West Virginia.
How much does Salem spend per student?
$15,580 in Harrison County School District (FY2024), against $15,637 across West Virginia. 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 West Virginia. Stars are from neighbors.