Serving 2,195 students in grades 9-12, South Salem High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Oregon for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Oregon state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Oregon state average of 43% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,195 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Top 50% in OR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Salem High School serves the southern part of Salem, OR, covering an attendance area of approximately 20.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 5.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Salem High School's student population of 2,195 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 93 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,195 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
93 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence in Academics and Leadership
School Rankings
South Salem High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,174 schools in Oregon (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Salem High School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#865 out of 1174 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
31%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
44%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
30%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
38%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
45%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
3%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
85%
81.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61.9%
43.8%
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
67%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
6%
7%
Showing 2012–2021. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Scarlet, Columbia blue
School Mascot
Saxons
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Salem High School's ranking?
South Salem High School is ranked #865 out of 1,174 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Oregon.
What schools are South Salem High School often compared to?
South Salem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sprague High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% OR state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% OR state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Salem High School?
The graduation rate of South Salem High School is 85%, which is higher than the Oregon state average of 81.3%.
How many students attend South Salem High School?
2,195 students attend South Salem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of South Salem High School students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hawaiian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Salem High School?
South Salem High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Oregon state average of 17:1.
What grades does South Salem High School offer ?
South Salem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Salem High School part of?
South Salem High School is part of Salem-Keizer SD 24j School District.
In what neighborhood is South Salem High School located?
South Salem High School is located in the South Central neighborhood of Salem, OR. There are 1 other public schools located in South Central.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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