For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,231 students in Salem, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 118 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Salem, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Salem, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Salem, MO (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Green Forest Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6111 Hwy F
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Gr: K-8 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #22.
North Wood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3734 N. Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Gr: PK-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Salem Sr. High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 9-12 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Salem Upper Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 S Doss Rd
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 2-5 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Gr: PK-8 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 6-8 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6200 S Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Gr: K-8 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: n/an/a
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
101 N Main St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: PK-1 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Salem, Missouri Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Salem, 61 (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: Inquire with school | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Salem, MO?
The top ranked public schools in Salem, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
9 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salem include: Ozark Hills School vs. Salem Sr. High School, Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Wm. H. Lynch Elementary School vs. North Wood Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.