For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,949 students in Salem, NH (there are 10 private schools, serving 830 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Salem, NH are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 84%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, NH are North Salem Elementary School, The Birches Academy Of Academics - Art A Public Charter School and William E. Lancaster School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, NH public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the New Hampshire public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of New Hampshire public schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public school average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salem, NH (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Salem Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
140 Zion Hill Rd.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7062
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7062
Gr: K-5 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
The Birches Academy Of Academics - Art A Public Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
419 South Broadway 2nd Floor
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 458-6399
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 458-6399
Gr: K-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
William E. Lancaster School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
54 Millville St.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7059
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7059
Gr: K-5 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
William T. Barron Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
55 Butler St.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7067
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7067
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Arts Academy Of New Hampshire Chartered Public High School
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
19 Keewaydin Drive
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 912-4944
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 912-4944
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Mary A. Fisk Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
14 Main St.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7051
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7051
Gr: K-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #77.
Woodbury School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
206 Main St.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7055
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7055
Gr: 6-8 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #88.
Dr. L. F. Soule School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
173 South Policy St.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7053
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7053
Gr: K-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #99.
Salem High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44 Geremonty Dr.
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7069
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7069
Gr: 9-12 | 1,116 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
24 School Street
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7064
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-7064
Gr: PK | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salem, NH?
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, NH include North Salem Elementary School, The Birches Academy Of Academics - Art A Public Charter School and William E. Lancaster School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
10 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the NH state average of 84%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Hampshire public schools average of 18% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salem include: William E. Lancaster School vs. Mary A. Fisk Elementary School, Mary A. Fisk Elementary School vs. William E. Lancaster School, North Salem Elementary School vs. Mary A. Fisk Elementary School
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