For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 6,196 students in Salem City, VA (there are 4 private schools, serving 128 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Salem City, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Salem City, VA are Glenvar High School, Fort Lewis Elementary School and Salem High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem City, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Virginia public school average of 54%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Salem City have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salem City (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Glenvar High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4549 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6536
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6536
Grades: 9-12
| 621 students
Rank: #22.
Fort Lewis Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3115 West Main St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6594
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6594
Grades: PK-5
| 247 students
Rank: #33.
Salem High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
400 Spartan Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2437
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2437
Grades: 9-12
| 1,213 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
South Salem Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1600 Carolyn Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Grades: PK-5
| 389 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
West Salem Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
520 N Bruffey St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Grades: PK-5
| 407 students
Rank: #66.
Mason's Cove Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3370 Bradshaw Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Grades: PK-5
| 210 students
Rank: #77.
Glenvar Middle School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4555 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6322
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6322
Grades: 6-8
| 424 students
Rank: #88.
Andrew Lewis Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
616 South College Ave
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2513
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2513
Grades: 6-8
| 850 students
Rank: #99.
East Salem Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1765 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Grades: PK-5
| 366 students
Rank: #1010.
G.w. Carver Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6 Fourth St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Grades: PK-5
| 426 students
Rank: #1111.
Glenvar Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4507 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Grades: PK-5
| 376 students
Rank: n/an/a
Burton Center For Arts And Technology
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
1760 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Governor's Stem Academy At The Burton Center For Arts And Te
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
1760 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 562-3900
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 562-3900
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Salem Alternative
Alternative School
510 S College Ave
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
510 South College Ave
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Grades: K-12
| 667 students
Salem City Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Arnold R. Burton Technical Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
1760 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Salem City, VA?
The top ranked public schools in Salem City, VA include Glenvar High School, Fort Lewis Elementary School and Salem High School.
How many public schools are located in Salem City?
15 public schools are located in Salem City.
What percentage of students in Salem City go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Salem City are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem City?
Salem City public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salem City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salem City include: South Salem Elementary School vs. West Salem Elementary School, West Salem Elementary School vs. South Salem Elementary School, Fort Lewis Elementary School vs. Glenvar Elementary School
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