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#855 of 1,226 schools in OR

South Salem High School

High School · Salem-Keizer SD 24J

1910 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Enrollment

2,310

Student-Teacher

23.3:1

Score

5.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#855 of 1,226

In Salem

#18 of 57

public schools

In district

#17 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

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South Salem High School

5.3/10

High School in Salem · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mckinley Elementary School

4.0/10

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

Montessori Discovery Center

7.5/10

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

About South Salem High School

South Salem High School is a public high school in Salem, OR, part of Salem-Keizer SD 24J. South Salem High School serves approximately 2,310 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 23.3:1 student-teacher ratio. South Salem High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #855 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for South Salem High School show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

What's said publicly about South Salem High School

Sources: Wikipedia

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026.

South Salem High School (SSHS) is a public high school located in Salem, Oregon 2 . The school was established in 1954, serving as the second public high school in the city 2 . Following the opening of South Salem High School, the institution previously known as Salem High School was renamed North Salem High School 2 .
Sources (1)
  1. en.wikipedia.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • District avg 5.1
  • OR avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

South Salem High School is a large school: 2,310 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

South Salem High School runs 23.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

59% of students at South Salem High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.44 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency6.3% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.5% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-25.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.5 pts
Overall Proficiency21% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-11.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
College Readiness9.9Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,770
Chronic Absenteeism58.8%

South Salem High School — Students at South Salem High School score 21% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 44.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 73.8% (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
61%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
66%
ELA
84%
2011
Math
56%
ELA
84%
2012
Math
71%
ELA
88%
2013
Math
71%
ELA
89%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
78%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
81%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
80%
2017
Math
39%
ELA
78%
2018
Math
39%
ELA
74%
2019
Math
39%
ELA
74%
2022
Math
14%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
6.3%
ELA
35.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.

How South Salem High School Compares

See how South Salem High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.3/10
30th percentile in OR
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
11
5 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
99 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
58.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
State avg: 2.4 AP courses·466 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics11sports offered
5 boys'·6 girls'·12 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

1910 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Salem High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST JOSEPH SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER (rated 7.5/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI (rated 7.5/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
McKinley Elementary School Salem 0.4 mi 4.0
MONTESSORI DISCOVERY CENTER Salem 0.3 mi 7.5
Bush Elementary School Salem 1.0 mi 3.5
Morningside Elementary School Salem 1.3 mi 6.4
LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI Salem 1.3 mi 7.5
Salem Heights Elementary School Salem 1.3 mi 3.8
Candalaria Elementary School Salem 1.1 mi 7.2
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Salem 1.4 mi 7.8
ST JOHN LUTHERAN PREKINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN Salem 1.3 mi
CAPITAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salem 1.6 mi 4.5
Howard Street Charter Salem 1.6 mi 7.4
Leslie Middle School Salem 1.7 mi 4.7
Wright Elementary School Salem 1.8 mi 6.2
Parrish Middle School Salem 1.8 mi 4.1
Richmond Elementary School Salem 1.4 mi 2.5
North Salem High School Salem 1.8 mi 4.0
QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salem 2.0 mi 6.0
Grant Community School Salem 2.0 mi 6.3
Walker Middle School Salem 2.0 mi 5.3
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Salem 2.2 mi 4.5

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
North Medford High School Medford, OR 5.3
McNary High School Keizer, OR 5.2
David Douglas High School Portland, OR 5.5
West Salem High School Salem, OR 5.1
Beaverton High School Beaverton, OR 5.6
Century High School Hillsboro, OR 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Salem High School

What grades does South Salem High School serve?

South Salem High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South Salem High School?

South Salem High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,310 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Salem High School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Salem High School is 23.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Salem High School rank in OR?

South Salem High School ranks #855 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is South Salem High School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Salem High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 South Salem High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Salem High School has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Salem High School a charter school?

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

Is South Salem High School a Title I school?

No, South Salem High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Salem High School?

66.8% of students at South Salem High 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
74 Very Walkable
Transit Score
36 Some Transit
Bike Score
78 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,310
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
99
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
58.8%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

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

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