For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,503 students in Salem, MA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Salem, MA are Salem Academy Charter School, Saltonstall School and Collins Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, MA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Massachusetts public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Salem have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public middle school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Salem, MA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Salem Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
45 Congress St., Shetland Park
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-2105
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-2105
Gr: 6-12 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Saltonstall School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
211 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1297
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1297
Gr: K-8 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #33.
Collins Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1191
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1191
Gr: 6-8 | 611 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Salem, Massachusetts Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bentley Academy Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Gr: K-5
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Gr: K-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Gr: K-8 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Gr: K-8 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
New Liberty Charter School Of Salem (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2 East India Square, Suite 200
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Gr: 9-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
77 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Gr: 9-12 | 1,383 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Salem, MA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Salem, MA include Salem Academy Charter School, Saltonstall School and Collins Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Salem?
3 public middle schools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public middle schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public middle schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Salem include: Collins Middle School vs. Salem Academy Charter School, Salem Academy Charter School vs. Collins Middle School, Collins Middle School vs. Saltonstall School
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.