Best Schools in Salem, Virginia
13 schools · 8 Elementary · 2 Middle · 3 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 7.5/10
- Median household income
- $72,691
- Median home value
- $251,400
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 30%
- Avg commute
- 20 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 72%
73% 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
Virginia rank
#24 of 182
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+1.3
above Virginia avg (6.3)
Median household income
$73k
83% of Virginia median
Schools in this city
11
About Schools in Salem, Virginia
Salem, Virginia is home to 13 schools, including 11 public schools and 2 private schools. The city's schools span 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 7.5 out of 10, schools in Salem perform strongly on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Salem is Salem High with a composite score of 9.0/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Salem is served by 2 school districts: Roanoke County Public Schools, Salem City Public Schools. These districts collectively serve 18,117 students.
Salem's community shows 30% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $72,691. The poverty rate in the area is 10.1%.
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
8 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 247 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.2 | ||
| 2 | 210 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.8 | ||
| 3 | 426 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.7 | ||
| 4 | 389 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.5 | ||
| 5 | 366 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.2 | ||
| 6 | 407 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.4 | ||
| 7 | 376 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.2 | ||
| 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 | SALEM MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Private
12 students · Kindergarten–Kindergarten | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 424 students · 6th–8th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 850 students · 6th–8th | 7.7 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,213 students · 9th–12th | 9.0 | ||
| 2 | 621 students · 9th–12th | 6.8 | ||
| 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 | HOPETREE ACADEMY
Private
26 students · 8th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Salem
Salem, Virginia · 13 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$72,691
Median Home Value
$251,400
Median Rent
$1,058/mo
Population
38,249
College Educated
30%
Homeownership
72%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Community Profile
Salem has a median household income of $72,691. It is an area where 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $251,400, with a median rent of $1,058/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.1%. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Virginia
- Total Schools
- 13
- Elementary
- 8
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 7.5/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Virginia
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, Virginia
How many schools are in Salem, Virginia?
Salem has 13 schools, including 11 public and 2 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Salem, Virginia?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Salem is 7.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Salem, Virginia?
The top-ranked school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Salem High with a composite score of 9.0/10.
What is the best elementary school in Salem, Virginia?
The top-ranked elementary school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Fort Lewis Elementary with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Salem, Virginia?
The top-ranked middle school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Glenvar Middle with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best high school in Salem, Virginia?
The top-ranked high school in Salem on MySchoolScout is Salem High with a composite score of 9.0/10.
How many school districts serve Salem, Virginia?
Salem is served by 2 school districts: Roanoke County Public Schools, Salem City Public Schools.
What is the education level in Salem, Virginia?
According to Census data, 30% of adults in Salem have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Salem, Virginia?
The median household income in Salem is approximately $72,691 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Salem, Virginia?
Yes, Salem has 2 private schools alongside 11 public schools.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Salem, Virginia?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Salem is 11.8:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Salem, Virginia?
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, Virginia Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.