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Needs Improvement

#1136 of 1,226 schools in OR

Salem Heights Elementary School

Elementary School · Salem-Keizer SD 24J

3495 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302

Enrollment

255

Student-Teacher

19.6:1

Score

3.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#1,136 of 1,226

In Salem

#39 of 57

public schools

In district

#43 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

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Salem Heights Elementary School

3.8/10

Elementary School in Salem · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Wright Elementary School

6.2/10

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

Candalaria Elementary School

7.2/10

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

About Salem Heights Elementary School

Salem Heights Elementary School is a public elementary school in Salem, OR, part of Salem-Keizer SD 24J. Salem Heights Elementary School serves approximately 255 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 19.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Salem Heights Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,136 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Salem Heights Elementary School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.6 pts below district
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.4
  • OR avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

46% of students at Salem Heights Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.75 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.3% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency27.9% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-7.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.1 pts
Overall Proficiency26% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile30th
Resources & Environment4.9Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,770
Chronic Absenteeism45.9%

Salem Heights Elementary School — Students at Salem Heights Elementary School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 59.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 OSAS)

Based on 26 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
24.3%
ELA
27.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.7/10.

How Salem Heights Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.8/10
7th percentile in OR
Academic
4.8/10
Below Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.9/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
45.9%

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

3495 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Salem Heights Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER (rated 7.5/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI (rated 7.5/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Candalaria Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Wright Elementary School Salem 0.6 mi 6.2
Candalaria Elementary School Salem 0.6 mi 7.2
QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salem 0.7 mi 6.0
McKinley Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 4.0
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi 4.5
Judson Middle School Salem 1.1 mi 5.0
SILVERLEAF SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi
Morningside Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 6.4
South Salem High School Salem 1.3 mi 5.3
BUTTERCUP HILL Salem 1.3 mi
Liberty Elementary School Salem 1.3 mi 4.4
MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER Salem 1.3 mi 7.5
Sumpter Elementary School Salem 1.9 mi 5.2
Leslie Middle School Salem 1.4 mi 4.7
BUD TO BLOSSOM CHILDREN'S SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY Salem 1.8 mi
Schirle Elementary School Salem 1.8 mi 5.2
Sprague High School Salem 1.8 mi 4.1
Crossler Middle School Salem 2.2 mi 5.0
Bush Elementary School Salem 2.2 mi 3.5
LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI Salem 2.6 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97302 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,697

Median Home Value

$415,200

Median Rent

$1,230/mo

Population

40,954

College Educated

42.5%

Homeownership

61.2%

Avg Commute

21.4 min

Poverty Rate

10.6%

Median Age

40.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Brockway Elementary School Winston, OR 3.8
Danebo Elementary School Eugene, OR 3.8
Highland Elementary School Salem, OR 3.7
Humbolt Elementary School Canyon City, OR 3.7
Lafayette Elementary School Albany, OR 3.7
Mt Vernon Elementary School Springfield, OR 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Salem Heights Elementary School

What grades does Salem Heights Elementary School serve?

Salem Heights Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Salem Heights Elementary School?

Salem Heights Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 255 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Salem Heights Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Salem Heights Elementary School is 19.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Salem Heights Elementary School rank in OR?

Salem Heights Elementary School ranks #1,136 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Salem Heights Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Salem Heights Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Heights Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Salem Heights Elementary School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Salem Heights Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Salem Heights Elementary School a Title I school?

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

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

67.1% of students at Salem Heights Elementary School 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
77 Very Walkable
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
68 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
45.9%

District

Salem-Keizer SD 24J
District Enrollment
38,818
Schools in District
65
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,770
District Rank
#43 of 65

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