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Needs Improvement

#1163 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

3.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Salem

#53 of 57

public schools

Oregon elementary schools

#674 of 689

In district

#61 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

About Salem Heights Elementary School

Salem Heights Elementary School is a regular public elementary school located in Salem, Oregon, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 255 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19.6:1, the school offers a supportive learning environment with 13 full-time equivalent teachers. Located in a mid-size city setting, Salem Heights provides a range of educational programs tailored to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

While academic performance metrics suggest there is room for improvement—with a MySchoolScout Rating of 3.5 out of 10 and a state ranking of 18th percentile—Salem Heights focuses on fostering a nurturing atmosphere that encourages growth and development in all students. In recent assessments, 41% of students were proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 29% achieved proficiency in Math. Salem Heights Elementary School is situated in an area known for its community spirit and local amenities, making it a welcoming place for families seeking quality education within a supportive neighborhood environment.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.9 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.9Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency27.9%
Math vs. State Avg-7.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.1 pts
Overall Proficiency26%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile30th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,604

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 29.4%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 40.6%
School
State
43.0%

Based on 6 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

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
3.9/10
5th percentile in OR
Academic
4.9/10
4.9/10
Growth
2.7/10
Below average
Environment
5.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers

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. Schirle Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER (rated 7.5/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI (rated 7.5/10, 2.6 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 4.3
Candalaria Elementary School Salem 0.6 mi 6.5
QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salem 0.7 mi 6.0
McKinley Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 4.3
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi 4.5
Judson Middle School Salem 1.1 mi 6.3
SILVERLEAF SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi
Morningside Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 7.2
South Salem High School Salem 1.3 mi 4.8
BUTTERCUP HILL Salem 1.3 mi
Liberty Elementary School Salem 1.3 mi 5.9
MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER Salem 1.3 mi 7.5
Sumpter Elementary School Salem 1.9 mi 4.9
Leslie Middle School Salem 1.4 mi 6.5
BUD TO BLOSSOM CHILDREN'S SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY Salem 1.8 mi
Schirle Elementary School Salem 1.8 mi 7.6
Sprague High School Salem 1.8 mi 4.6
Crossler Middle School Salem 2.2 mi 4.9
Bush Elementary School Salem 2.2 mi 6.5
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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Salem Heights Elementary School has a median household income of $83,697. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $415,200, with a median rent of $1,230/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.6%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Scotts Mills Elementary School Scotts Mills, OR 3.9
Molalla River Academy Molalla, OR 4.0
GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOOL Boring, OR 4.1
Valley Inquiry Charter School Salem, OR 3.7
Lee Elementary School Salem, OR 4.2
McKinley Elementary School Salem, OR 4.3

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 is ranked #1163 out of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Salem Heights Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Salem Heights Elementary School has a composite rating of 3.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Salem Heights Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Salem Heights Elementary School has 29.4% math proficiency and 40.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

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

City Safety
High (3,397/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Salem). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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 methodology

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