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Very Good

#1004 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 38% in state

Salem Elementary

Elementary School · Wake County Schools

6116 Old Jenks Road, Apex, NC 27523

Enrollment

753

Student-Teacher

13.2:1

Score

7.0

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,004 of 2,648

In Apex

#18 of 21

public schools

In district

#114 of 194

Wake County Schools

School environment

9.3 / 10

Excellent

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Salem Elementary

7.0/10

Elementary School in Apex · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Salem Middle

7.7/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Apex High

7.4/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Salem Elementary

Salem Elementary is a public elementary school in Apex, NC, part of Wake County Schools. Salem Elementary serves approximately 753 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,004 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Salem Elementary show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

What's said publicly about Salem Elementary

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

Salem Elementary School is a multi-track institution located in Apex, North Carolina, serving the Cary, Apex, and Raleigh communities 1 . The school has an enrollment of approximately 700 students and is supported by about 95 staff members 1 . Dr. Sarah Oatsvall serves as the principal 1 . The school's stated mission is to honor and educate all students 1 . Activities and programs mentioned include the Student Council, Yearbook Club, STEAM Night, International Night, and the Night of the Arts 1 . The school utilizes a multi-track schedule, with specific testing dates for 3rd-5th grade EOGs in May and June listed for Track 1 1 . Kindergarten orientation sessions are scheduled for June 1 . Testimonials from students, alumni, and parents highlight engagement in safety patrol, library assistance, and student government, as well as positive experiences with teachers and creative lessons 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. salemes.wcpss.net
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.1
  • NC avg 6.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.5Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.74 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.8Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency74.6% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency64.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+10.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+17.9 pts
Overall Proficiency70% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-0.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
Resources & Environment9.3Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,691
Chronic Absenteeism14.6%

Salem Elementary — Students at Salem Elementary score 70% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

21.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 68.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
59.4% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 63.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
91%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
91%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
90%
ELA
85%
2012
Math
70%
ELA
65%
2013
Math
69%
ELA
65%
2014
Math
69%
ELA
63%
2015
Math
60%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
58%
ELA
56%
2017
Math
54%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
49%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
49%
2020*
Math
56%
ELA
55%
2021*
Math
56%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
65.3%
2025
Math
74.9%
ELA
64.9%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.

How Salem Elementary Compares

See how Salem Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.0/10
62th percentile in NC
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
5.5/10
Average
Environment
9.3/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
21%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
57 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

6116 Old Jenks Road, Apex, NC 27523

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Salem Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Davis Drive Elementary (rated 8.9/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Cary), which scores notably higher. Another option is Baucom Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Peak Charter Academy (rated 7.9/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Apex, see our Apex schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Salem Middle Apex 0.2 mi 7.7
Apex High Apex 1.1 mi 7.4
THALES ACADEMY APEX K-5 Apex 1.2 mi 5.3
PEACE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Apex 1.0 mi
Peak Charter Academy Apex 1.1 mi 7.9
Baucom Elementary Apex 1.3 mi 8.8
Davis Drive Middle Cary 1.5 mi 8.7
Laurel Park Elementary Apex 1.3 mi 7.7
Davis Drive Elementary Cary 1.7 mi 8.9
GROVE SCHOOL OF CARY Cary 1.6 mi
MONTESSORI CREATIVE LEARNING SCHOOL Apex 2.0 mi
Turner Creek Elementary Cary 1.8 mi 6.9
CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY-PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY Cary 2.0 mi 7.9
Apex Middle Apex 2.1 mi 6.8
KNOWLEDGE BEGINNINGS SCHOOL Cary 2.2 mi
ST ANDREWS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Apex 1.9 mi
Apex Elementary Apex 2.5 mi 7.5
ST MARY MAGDALENE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Apex 2.6 mi 7.1
Lufkin Road Middle Apex 2.8 mi 6.2
ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Cary 2.7 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27523 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$122,401

Median Home Value

$585,900

Median Rent

$1,805/mo

Population

18,330

College Educated

68%

Homeownership

69.1%

Avg Commute

24.7 min

Poverty Rate

7.2%

Median Age

39.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Allen Jay Elementary High Point, NC 7.0
BT Bullock Elementary Sanford, NC 7.0
Belmont Central Elementary Belmont, NC 7.0
Cardinal Charter Academy Cary, NC 7.0
Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks, NC 7.0
Fuquay-Varina Elementary Fuquay-Varina, NC 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Salem Elementary

What grades does Salem Elementary serve?

Salem Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Salem Elementary?

Salem Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 753 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Salem Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Salem Elementary is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Salem Elementary rank in NC?

Salem Elementary ranks #1,004 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Salem Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Salem Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Salem Elementary has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Salem Elementary a charter school?

No, Salem Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Salem Elementary a Title I school?

No, Salem Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Salem Elementary?

21.1% of students at Salem Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
26 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
753
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
57
Free/Reduced Lunch
21.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Wake County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.6%

District

Wake County Schools
District Enrollment
161,481
Schools in District
197
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,691
District Rank
#114 of 194

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