For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,878 students in Salem, IL (there are 1 private school, serving 53 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Salem, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, IL are Franklin Park Middle School, Hawthorn Elementary School and Salem Community High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salem, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Franklin Park Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1325 Bobcat Cir
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 740-0963
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 740-0963
Gr: 4-8 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Hawthorn Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1300 Bobcat Cir
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 740-0952
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 740-0952
Gr: K-3 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Salem Community High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1200 N Broadway Ave
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-0727
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-0727
Gr: 9-12 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Selmaville Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3185 Selmaville Rd
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-2416
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-2416
Gr: PK-8 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salem, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, IL include Franklin Park Middle School, Hawthorn Elementary School and Salem Community High School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
4 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.