For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 455 students in Salem, SD (there are 1 private school, serving 63 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Salem, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, SD are Goldenview Colony School - 04, Mccook Central High School - 01 and Mccook Central Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Salem, SD (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Goldenview Colony School - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
25473 438th Ave
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Gr: K-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
Rank: #22.
Mccook Central High School - 01
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Mccook Central Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Gr: PK-5 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Mccook Central Middle School - 03
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264
Gr: 6-8 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salem, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, SD include Goldenview Colony School - 04, Mccook Central High School - 01 and Mccook Central Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
4 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.