Salem High School is a public high school in Salem, Virginia. It is the sole high school for the City of Salem public school system. Until 2022, Salem was an International Baccalaureate world school, certified for the Diploma Programme.
Serving 1,213 students in grades 9-12, Salem High School ranks in the top 20% 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 64% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 91% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,213 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 91% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 73% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Salem High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Salem High School's student population of 1,213 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 103 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
1,213 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
103 teachers
Year Founded
1977
Colors
Maroon, Silver
School Rankings
Salem High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salem High School is 0.52, 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
#300 out of 1792 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)64%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)91%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)73%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
8%
Hispanic
9%
19%
Black
16%
22%
White
67%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salem High School's ranking?
Salem High School is ranked #300 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Salem High School often compared to?
Salem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cave Spring High School, Hidden Valley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 91% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Salem High School?
The graduation rate of Salem High School is 90%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Salem High School?
1,213 students attend Salem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Salem High School students are White, 16% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Salem High School?
Salem High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Salem High School offer ?
Salem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Salem High School part of?
Salem High School is part of Salem City School District.
School Reviews
5 1/24/2014
This is my fourth year attending Salem High School. Salem has many great opportunities to offer. Salem High School offers the International Baccalaureate program. The school is well kept up. The teachers are super friendly and easy to get along with. The student body as a whole is inviting. Bullying is not a problem at Salem. From my standpoint, everyone seems to get along with everyone else. Salem has awesome activities to take part in. We have several clubs students can join. Salem offers NHS. The only complaint I have about the school system is SOL's. This is not in particular the school's fault, but rather the state's fault. Every school in Virginia spends too much time focusing on reviewing for the SOL instead of prioritizing education.
I would definitely recommend this school.
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