For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,421 students in Salem, VA.
The top ranked public preschools in Salem, VA are Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, VA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Virginia public pre school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 66% statewide average). Pre schools in Salem have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Virginia public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public preschool average of 56% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Salem, VA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fort Lewis Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
South Salem Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1600 Carolyn Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Gr: PK-5 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Mason's Cove Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3370 Bradshaw Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Gr: PK-5 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
West Salem Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 N Bruffey St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Gr: PK-5 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
East Salem Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1765 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Gr: PK-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
Glenvar Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4507 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
G.w. Carver Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6 Fourth St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Gr: PK-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Salem, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Arnold R. Burton Technical Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
1760 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Salem, VA?
The top ranked public preschools in Salem, VA include Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Salem?
7 public preschools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public preschools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public preschools average of 56% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Salem 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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