South Salem High School is a public high school in Salem, Oregon. It was built in 1954 as the second public high school in the city. After South Salem opened, the former Salem High School was renamed North Salem High School.
Serving 2,195 students in grades 9-12, South Salem High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Oregon for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the Oregon state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Oregon state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Oregon state average of 43% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,195 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Top 50% in OR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Salem High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Oregon for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South Salem High School's student population of 2,195 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 93 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,195 students
Total Classroom Teachers
93 teachers
Year Founded
1954
Colors
Scarlet, Columbia blue
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
School Motto
Excellence in Academics and Leadership
School Rankings
South Salem High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,174 schools in Oregon (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Salem High School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#865 out of 1174 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
30%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
4%
Hispanic
38%
26%
Black
2%
3%
White
45%
57%
Hawaiian
3%
1%
Two or more races
8%
8%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
81%
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Salem-Keizer SD 24j School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Saxons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Salem High School's ranking?
South Salem High School is ranked #865 out of 1,174 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Oregon.
What schools are South Salem High School often compared to?
South Salem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sprague High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% OR state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% OR state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Salem High School?
The graduation rate of South Salem High School is 85%, which is higher than the Oregon state average of 81%.
How many students attend South Salem High School?
2,195 students attend South Salem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of South Salem High School students are White, 38% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hawaiian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Salem High School?
South Salem High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Oregon state average of 17:1.
What grades does South Salem High School offer ?
South Salem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South Salem High School part of?
South Salem High School is part of Salem-Keizer SD 24j School District.
In what neighborhood is South Salem High School located?
South Salem High School is located in the South Central neighborhood of Salem, OR. There are 1 other public schools located in South Central.
School Reviews
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