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).
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