Serving 1,690 students in grades 9-12, Salem High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 90% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,690 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Salem High serves the northwest part of Virginia Beach, VA, covering an area of approximately 6.8 square miles. Most families in the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Salem High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Salem High School's student population of 1,690 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 102 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,690 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
102 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Year Founded
1989
School Rankings
Salem High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salem High School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#589 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)90%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. View full 12-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)68%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Asian
10%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Hispanic
15%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Black
25%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
37%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Graduation Rate
91%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.5%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salem High School's ranking?
Salem High School is ranked #589 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Salem High School often compared to?
Salem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tallwood High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Salem High School?
The graduation rate of Salem High School is 91%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Salem High School?
1,690 students attend Salem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Salem High School students are White, 25% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Salem High School?
Salem High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Salem High School offer ?
Salem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Salem High School part of?
Salem High School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
School Reviews
Review Salem High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.
