Serving 371 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, South Salem Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85-89% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 371 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: South Salem Elementary serves the southwest part of Salem, VA, covering an area of approximately 2.7 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school within 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge being about 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Salem Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
South Salem Elementary School's student population of 371 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
371 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
We are Falcons, watch us SOAR!
School Rankings
South Salem Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Salem Elementary School is 0.41, which is less 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
#288 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75-79%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60-69%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
10%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
76%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.5%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Falcon Blue, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Salem Elementary School's ranking?
South Salem Elementary School is ranked #288 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are South Salem Elementary School often compared to?
South Salem Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Salem Elementary School, Fort Lewis Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend South Salem Elementary School?
371 students attend South Salem Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of South Salem Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Salem Elementary School?
South Salem Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Salem Elementary School offer ?
South Salem Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is South Salem Elementary School part of?
South Salem Elementary School is part of Salem City School District.
School Reviews
Review South Salem Elementary 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
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
