Serving 375 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, West Salem Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 76% (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 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% 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: 375 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 76% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Salem Elementary serves the northwest part of Salem, VA, covering an area of approximately 3.7 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Salem Elementary School's student population of 375 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
375 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
We are a diverse community of compassionate, prepared, problem-solvers!
School Rankings
West Salem Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Salem Elementary School is 0.37, 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
#540 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
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)60-64%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
7%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Black
6%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
79%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)9.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Cardinal Red and Gray
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Salem Elementary School's ranking?
West Salem Elementary School is ranked #540 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are West Salem Elementary School often compared to?
West Salem Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Salem Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
76% 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 West Salem Elementary School?
375 students attend West Salem Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of West Salem Elementary School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Salem Elementary School?
West Salem Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Salem Elementary School offer ?
West Salem Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is West Salem Elementary School part of?
West Salem Elementary School is part of Salem City School District.
School Reviews
Review West 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
