Very Good
#460 of 1,851 schools in VA
Top 25% in state
South Salem Elementary
Elementary School · Salem City Public Schools
1600 Carolyn Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Enrollment
389
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
389
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#460 of 1,851
In Salem
#4 of 11
public schools
In district
#2 of 6
Salem City Public Schools
Academic performance
8.2 / 10
Excellent
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South Salem Elementary
Elementary School in Salem · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Salem High
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
West Salem Elementary
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Salem Elementary
South Salem Elementary is a public elementary school in Salem, VA, part of Salem City Public Schools. South Salem Elementary serves approximately 389 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. South Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 out of 10 and ranks #460 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for South Salem Elementary show 85% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.7 · Very Good
- District avg 6.8
- VA avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Salem Elementary — Students at South Salem Elementary score 84% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 79%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 33 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 7.2/10.
How South Salem Elementary Compares
See how South Salem Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1600 Carolyn Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Salem Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Back Creek Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Roanoke), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Fort Lewis Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Mason's Cove Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 6.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Salem High Salem | 1.2 mi | 8.7 |
| West Salem Elementary Salem | 1.4 mi | 7.2 |
| G.W. Carver Elementary Salem | 1.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Fort Lewis Elementary Salem | 1.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Andrew Lewis Middle Salem | 1.8 mi | 5.8 |
| HOPETREE ACADEMY Salem | 2.1 mi | — |
| SALEM MONTESSORI SCHOOL Salem | 2.7 mi | — |
| Glenvar Elementary Salem | 3.0 mi | 5.7 |
| East Salem Elementary Salem | 3.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Glenvar High Salem | 3.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Glenvar Middle Salem | 3.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Hidden Valley Middle Roanoke | 3.3 mi | 8.0 |
| Oak Grove Elementary Roanoke | 3.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Glen Cove Elementary Roanoke | 4.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Back Creek Elementary Roanoke | 5.5 mi | 8.4 |
| Hidden Valley High Roanoke | 4.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Fairview Elementary Roanoke | 4.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Mason's Cove Elementary Salem | 6.2 mi | 7.7 |
| Cave Spring Middle Roanoke | 5.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Westside Elementary Roanoke | 5.1 mi | 3.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24153 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,691
Median Home Value
$251,400
Median Rent
$1,058/mo
Population
38,249
College Educated
30%
Homeownership
71.7%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
42.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arrowhead Elementary Virginia Beach, VA | 7.7 |
| Dare Elementary Yorktown, VA | 7.7 |
| Fort Lewis Elementary Salem, VA | 7.7 |
| Gladeville Elementary Galax, VA | 7.7 |
| Gretna Elementary Gretna, VA | 7.7 |
| Highland Park Elementary Roanoke, VA | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Salem Elementary
What grades does South Salem Elementary serve?
South Salem Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend South Salem Elementary?
South Salem Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 389 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Salem Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at South Salem Elementary is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Salem Elementary rank in VA?
South Salem Elementary ranks #460 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is South Salem Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
South Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 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 Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Salem Elementary has 85% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is South Salem Elementary a charter school?
No, South Salem Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Salem Elementary a Title I school?
No, South Salem Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Salem Elementary?
40.9% of students at South 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 389
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Salem city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 10.0%
- Phone
- (540) 387-2478
Resources & Links
District
Salem City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,318
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,892
- District Rank
- #2 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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