For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 5,863 students in Salem, VA (there are 4 private schools, serving 330 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Salem, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, VA are Glenvar High School, Fort Lewis Elementary School and South Salem Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 75% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salem, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Glenvar High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4549 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6536
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6536
Gr: 9-12 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
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 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
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 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Salem High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Spartan Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2437
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2437
Gr: 9-12 | 1,202 student Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
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 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Glenvar Middle School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4555 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6322
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6322
Gr: 6-8 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #77.
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 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #88.
Andrew Lewis Middle School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
616 South College Ave
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2513
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2513
Gr: 6-8 | 839 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #99.
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 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1111.
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 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: n/an/a
Burton Center For Arts And Technology
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
1760 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Rank: n/an/a
Governor's Stem Academy At The Burton Center For Arts And Te
Vocational School
Magnet School
Magnet School
1760 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 562-3900
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 562-3900
Rank: n/an/a
510 South College Ave
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-0130
Gr: K-12 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salem, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, VA include Glenvar High School, Fort Lewis Elementary School and South Salem Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
15 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salem include: West Salem Elementary School vs. South Salem Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School vs. West Salem Elementary School, Fort Lewis Elementary School vs. Glenvar Elementary School
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.