Very Good
#663 of 1,851 schools in VA
Top 36% in state
West Salem Elementary
Elementary School · Salem City Public Schools
520 N Bruffey St, Salem, VA 24153
Enrollment
407
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
407
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#663 of 1,851
In Salem
#7 of 11
public schools
In district
#3 of 6
Salem City Public Schools
Academic growth
7.7 / 10
Very Good
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West Salem Elementary
Elementary School in Salem · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Salem High
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hopetree Academy
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About West Salem Elementary
West Salem Elementary is a public elementary school in Salem, VA, part of Salem City Public Schools. West Salem Elementary serves approximately 407 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 16.3:1 student-teacher ratio. West Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #663 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for West Salem Elementary show 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.2 · Very Good
- District avg 6.8
- VA avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
West Salem Elementary — Students at West Salem Elementary score 82% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 79%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.3%
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: 7.7/10.
How West Salem Elementary Compares
See how West 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
520 N Bruffey St, Salem, VA 24153
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Salem Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. South Salem Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Fort Lewis Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Mason's Cove Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Salem High Salem | 0.2 mi | 8.7 |
| HOPETREE ACADEMY Salem | 0.8 mi | — |
| South Salem Elementary Salem | 1.4 mi | 7.7 |
| G.W. Carver Elementary Salem | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Andrew Lewis Middle Salem | 1.5 mi | 5.8 |
| SALEM MONTESSORI SCHOOL Salem | 2.2 mi | — |
| Fort Lewis Elementary Salem | 2.3 mi | 7.7 |
| East Salem Elementary Salem | 3.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Glen Cove Elementary Roanoke | 3.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Hidden Valley Middle Roanoke | 3.8 mi | 8.0 |
| Glenvar Elementary Salem | 3.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Oak Grove Elementary Roanoke | 4.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Glenvar Middle Salem | 3.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Glenvar High Salem | 3.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Mason's Cove Elementary Salem | 4.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Westside Elementary Roanoke | 4.4 mi | 3.1 |
| Fairview Elementary Roanoke | 4.4 mi | 4.4 |
| Northside Middle Roanoke | 4.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Northside High Roanoke | 4.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Hidden Valley High Roanoke | 5.8 mi | 8.2 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Callaghan Elementary Covington, VA | 7.2 |
| Carrollton Elementary Carrollton, VA | 7.2 |
| Cedar Bluff Elementary Cedar Bluff, VA | 7.2 |
| Columbia Elementary Annandale, VA | 7.2 |
| Crozet Elementary Crozet, VA | 7.2 |
| Henry Clay Elementary Ashland, VA | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Salem Elementary
What grades does West Salem Elementary serve?
West Salem Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend West Salem Elementary?
West Salem Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 407 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Salem Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at West Salem Elementary is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Salem Elementary rank in VA?
West Salem Elementary ranks #663 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is West Salem Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
West Salem Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 West Salem Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, West Salem Elementary has 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 84% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is West Salem Elementary a charter school?
No, West Salem Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Salem Elementary a Title I school?
No, West Salem Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Salem Elementary?
40.3% of students at West 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
- 407
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Salem city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 9.1%
- Phone
- (540) 387-2503
Resources & Links
District
Salem City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,318
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,892
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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