Best Schools in Salem, South Dakota
5 schools · 3 Elementary · 1 Middle · 1 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.0/10
- Median household income
- $79,119
- Median home value
- $199,700
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26%
- Avg commute
- 20 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 77%
0% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Salem compares
South Dakota rank
#122 of 128
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-1.3
below South Dakota avg (6.3)
Median household income
$79k
113% of South Dakota median
Schools in this city
4
About Schools in Salem, South Dakota
Salem, South Dakota is home to 5 schools, including 4 public schools and 1 private school. The city's schools span 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.
With an average rating of 5.0 out of 10, schools in Salem show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Salem is St Mary Elementary School with a composite score of 6.6/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Salem is served by 1 school district: McCook Central School District 43-7. These districts collectively serve 472 students.
Salem's community shows 26% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $79,119. The poverty rate in the area is 8.0%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 208 students · Pre-K–4th | 4.4 | ||
| 2 | 28 students · Kindergarten–8th | — | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ST MARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Private
40 students · Kindergarten–1st | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 115 students · 5th–8th | 4.8 |
High Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 121 students · 9th–12th | 4.3 |
Schools in Salem
Salem, South Dakota · 5 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$79,119
Median Home Value
$199,700
Median Rent
$866/mo
Population
1,792
College Educated
26%
Homeownership
77%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
8.0%
Community Profile
Salem has a median household income of $79,119. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $199,700, with a median rent of $866/month. The local poverty rate of 8.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- South Dakota
- Total Schools
- 5
- Elementary
- 3
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 1
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 5.0/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in South Dakota
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Salem, South Dakota
How many schools are in Salem, South Dakota?
Salem has 5 schools, including 4 public and 1 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Salem, South Dakota?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Salem is 5.0 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Salem, South Dakota?
The top-ranked school in Salem on MySchoolScout is St Mary Elementary School with a composite score of 6.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Salem, South Dakota?
The top-ranked elementary school in Salem on MySchoolScout is St Mary Elementary School with a composite score of 6.6/10.
What is the best middle school in Salem, South Dakota?
The top-ranked middle school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Mccook Central Middle School - 03 with a composite score of 4.8/10.
What is the best high school in Salem, South Dakota?
The top-ranked high school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Mccook Central High School - 01 with a composite score of 4.3/10.
How many school districts serve Salem, South Dakota?
Salem is served by 1 school district: Mccook Central School District 43-7.
What is the education level in Salem, South Dakota?
According to Census data, 26% of adults in Salem have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Salem, South Dakota?
The median household income in Salem is approximately $79,119 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Salem, South Dakota?
Yes, Salem has 1 private school alongside 4 public schools. The top-rated private school is St Mary Elementary School with a score of 6.6/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Salem, South Dakota?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Salem is 15.8:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Salem, South Dakota?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, South Dakota Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.