Salem Elementary
Apex, NC 27523
Phone: (919) 363-2865
Fax: (919) 363-2973
District: Wake County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 805 students
Salem Elementary, a public school located in Apex, NC, serves grades PK-5 in the Wake County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Salem Elementary is a public school located in Apex, NC. 805 students attend Salem Elementary.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 9/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 5, 2026
Salem Elementary has been a wonderful school for both our children. Our children have thrived in the environment both academically and socially. Salem offers after school opportunities for kids to experience the arts, like school plays, etc. which not all schools offer. And the teachers and principals are wonderful!
Posted: June 5, 2026
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: June 20, 2025
We have had the most incredible experience at this school. My kids absolutely love it, the teachers are incredible, the administration is wonderful and they are learning so much. We consider ourselves extremely blessed to attend this school and would recommend it to everyone.
Posted: June 20, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: January 27, 2025
Quality of teachers vary. My child really liked their PE teacher, but was always scared of the music teacher. We really wanted to love this school but counseling and administrative staff, handle bullying poorly. Punishment for the bully was a complete joke and the school failed to create and foster a safe learning environment for my child.
Posted: January 27, 2025
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2023
Teachers are good, administration and leadership fail. I am not one to play the racial card, but I feel like I have been discriminated against for the first time in my life and my child is suffering for it. I am going to transfer as soon as I can because my child does not deserve to be emotionally damaged by the school's failure.
Posted: October 30, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: May 4, 2023
Not enough Physical activities like PE. My son's score not improving. Teacher not cooperating with parents how to improve child's score. School bus is delayed often and no notification from school. Nothing happens when you complain to school. Moving out my son from the school after a year.
Posted: May 4, 2023
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
We have had nothing but excellent experiences for our daughter at Salem Elementary!
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: November 14, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
We were a little concerned with the low great schools rating when my daughters started attending the school, but after two years I can definitely say please don't believe it (currently 4 out of 10). It does not reflect the quality of the school overall at all. We have been extremely happy with all aspects of the school thus far... It's not *perfect* , but no schools are.
If you are at all concerned or hesitant about attending the school, make an appointment for a tour and talk to the folks there!
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: August 30, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
We have had kids attend first through fifth grade at Salem Elementary. The teachers have been very engaged. All of our kids have liked their teachers and enjoyed their school experience. The extracurriculars are a highlight the kids enjoy include art, Salem Singers, and the Salem Players. In the era of covid, the school and leadership team have done a good job of keeping parents informed and managing expectations. Virtual learning has certainly been a challenge, but I feel like they have done a good job of working with the kids and keeping them engaged. Overall we have been very pleased with Salem elementary.
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2020
Principal Comment:
In our latest state data, we were one of the few schools to exceed growth expectations overall and in math. We had the second highest growth score in the district in math of all elementary schools. Every single subgroup met or exceeded growth expectations, suggesting that we are meeting the needs of a diverse population of students. Similarly, about 25% more of our English Language Learners made progress compared to the district and state average. Our family survey results are consistently above district and state averages. Our Teacher Working Conditions survey results are consistently above district and state averages.
As a principal, it always baffling to me how one website can be so totally misleading. Some of the data is just wrong while other statements on this site suggest cause and effect instead of correlation. Please speak with families whose children go here. When we are allowed to give tours again (COVID), please give us a call and come for a tour. We'd love to meet you!
Posted: June 24, 2019
My son has special needs. The teachers and admin have been great to work with. We have had ups and downs and have worked closely with teachers and Principal Derek Evans. We couldn't ask for a more supportive environment from teachers, admin, and students.
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Great school with great students, teachers and admins.
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 24, 2019
Posted: June 6, 2019
Staff turnover at the school is excessive. Our teacher privately said it was due to how teachers are treated by the leadership.
Posted: June 6, 2019
Posted: June 6, 2019
Posted: June 6, 2019
Teachers have been great, though most teachers with experience have left to get away from the current admin. Even the newly hired teachers are doing the same thing.
Posted: June 6, 2019
Posted: June 6, 2019
Posted: June 6, 2019
Admin seems to modeling the wrong behavior.
Posted: April 26, 2019
Administration is really working hard to build a strong school community and to listen to parent needs. A positive and supportive attitude is one that is coming from the top down and it really shows.
Posted: April 26, 2019
I've been able to see kids in different groups learning the same topic in ways of their choice. It enabled all the students to grasp the concept while learning differently.
Posted: April 26, 2019
We have not experienced bullying at this school or know anyone who has
Posted: April 26, 2019
My family's experience has been excellent so far.
Posted: April 26, 2019
Amount of time spent on homework is enough, but not too much. Homework is for reinforcing concepts and for extra practice, but not just "busy work".
Posted: April 26, 2019
While not perfect, overall our teachers have been amazing over the years.
Posted: April 26, 2019
I think this is an area that is really being worked on, especially through character education lessons and the implementation of PBIS.
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 22, 2019
Great School, and Great Teachers. Very Great approach in Academics
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 22, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
The principal, assistant principal and staff are constantly working to ensure each child succeeds. There will always be a gap between economic groups, but I'm seeing efforts to close that gap by the school leadership.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
I have 3 kids at Salem elementary and I have been very happy with the teachers who have adapted to our families needs and are striving to improve every aspect of the school including academic's, family activities, and social development.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
The administrative and teaching staff are wonderful at motivating students and keeping students engaged. I'm very impressed with how active the Principal, Derek Evans, is with the kids, even helping out in the carpool lane. Everyone takes an active interest in the kids beyond the classroom, which is a rarity these days. So grateful my kids have a great school so close to home.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Mr. Evans is wonderful! He obviously cares about the school and he students. He and his administrative team are always looking for ways to improve the school and communication with parents. He has worked very hard to continue to strengthen the academics and community at Salem.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Many resource teachers available for students who need help.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Posted: April 18, 2019
Weekly homework for primary students. Spelling and math every night.
Posted: April 18, 2019
Very caring and attentive teachers. Obvious that they care!
Posted: April 18, 2019
Wonderful SPOT program positively reinforces great behaviors.
Posted: April 18, 2019
10 out of a 10 Great school- don't let the 'rating' fool you. This is a great school.
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
So impressed with the administration and their deep interest in connecting with parents and the community. The teachers have been great.
Posted: April 17, 2019
Blown away by the administrators and their compassion.
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Two thumbs up. My daughter does not want to leave. We talk about buying a new house and she gets upset if it means she is!Â’t in SalemÂ’s zone.
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
These teachers and administrators show so much love to all students. As far as I am concerned as a parent that speak volumes compared to teachers and admin that are more interested in test scores and treat you kid like a number. Of the teachers we have had so far they do a great job differentiating instruction for all students.
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
We have had a great experience at Salem!
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: April 17, 2019
Posted: March 11, 2019
This school is a great place for children to learn and make friends.
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: March 10, 2019
Great, my kindergartener loves his teacher and school.
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: March 10, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
We actually live in the base area of another top YR school in Apex, but requested a transfer to keep my children at Salem ES where my oldest started, thatÂ’s how much we love and value the school! The administrators are the most down to earth and friendly, yet driven to be the best school in the county! They model excellence for their teachers and the teachers donÂ’t disappoint! The specials teachers, counselors, office staff, custodians, AIG teacher, related service staff, all just love the kids so much and itÂ’s evident in walking through the halls and the extra effort these folks put into their work days. Go take a tour of the school, rather than putting stock in these online reviews. There is so much to be said for the feeling you get when you enter a school, and you will feel like family when you enter Salem Elementary!
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 26, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
We love this school! Very effective administration and staff. Teachers and administrators go above their duties and truly care for their students.
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Don't believe all the statistics on this site. I have two children who went to Salem Elem for KG-5. One of them is at NC State and the other in high school. Both have done very well academically. I have another currently attending who has been there 5 years and is doing well. Teachers and staff are caring and actively work to help the children excel.
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 25, 2019
Posted: February 24, 2019
Great communication and effective leadership. We always see Principal Evans and Vice Principal Miller smiling and greeting us whenever we arrive at school.
Posted: February 24, 2019
There are many options for additional support to help students at all levels.
Posted: February 24, 2019
The counselor teaches classes about anti-bullying, compassion, respect and confidence supported with additional small-group lunches that acts as a small-group book-club in the same topics.
Posted: February 24, 2019
The teachers provide a good balance between homework & family-life.
Posted: February 24, 2019
They create an enthusiasm for learning. They often team up amongst the core class and specials to continue learning themes and projects that extend between these classes.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Absolutely! The students have a great support group through leadership, teachers and staff. These lessons happen in all forms through all classes (gym, art, core classes, music, tech, media, etc).
Posted: February 24, 2019
Salem Elementary is a great school with fantastic leadership, teachers and staff.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Leadership does an excellent job communicating with parents.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Salem has a caring staff for its AU program for autistic students.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Parents are notified by the assistant principal explaining any incidents in the classroom, and how they were handled.
Posted: February 24, 2019
We love Salem Elementary School, and recommend it highly.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Teachers present information in exciting ways i.e. STEM center Fridays, building model homes in fourth grade math, building robots.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Students base their behavior on being "S.P.O.T." on which is defined as showing respect, practicing self control, owning your actions, and thinking safe. They also have yearly assemblies to encourage positive behavior.
Posted: February 24, 2019
Posted: February 24, 2019
Posted: February 24, 2019
Posted: February 24, 2019
Salem Elementary is an amazing school with the best staff and students. I feel welcome as soon as I walk through the door! Students are truly happy to be at school, and they are loved by the teachers, administration and entire staff. I am so grateful for a school like Salem!
Posted: February 24, 2019
Posted: February 24, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
Posted: February 13, 2019
We are going on year 5 at Salem, and we couldn't be happier. New administration (Principal & AP) have done a wonderful job at creating a sense of community as well as leading effectively and strongly. Teachers and students are motivated, happy and successful. We will be very sad to leave after graduating 5th grade! We cannot recommend this school enough. Newcomers, please don't hesitate in reaching out to the Principal for a personal guided tour. He will spend as much time with you as you'd like.
Posted: February 12, 2019
Our principal and assistant principal communicate very effectively with parents. I often think they sleep under their desks because they are always working on engaging their staff, rolling their sleeves up when needed to help and engage the kids on a daily basis.
Posted: February 12, 2019
I have a child on the autism spectrum and have found that the Special Ed staff, my child's regular ed teacher and supporting staff such as the SLP all believe that we are a team and are working towards giving my child the VERY best in what she needs individually.
Posted: February 12, 2019
Since teaching kids about how to be a good human being is so important, I can't say I really know of any situations that have affected my child in regards to bullying.
Posted: February 12, 2019
We have had some amazing teachers, that go above and beyond in multiple situations. These teachers really do care about the students, and it shows.
Posted: February 12, 2019
It is very evident when you walk the halls of Salem ES that not only are the children getting an education, they are being taught about the things that matter most in life...like respecting others, understanding differences and showing compassion for all situations.
Posted: February 12, 2019
Salem Elementary has been such a blessing to our family! I have three children, who are at 3 different schools due to their ages and I can say that Salem Elementary has been the best elementary school we have attended here in Wake County. The leadership, staff and teachers at Salem go above and beyond at every turn. They value communication with families and I am never left to wonder what is happening there. I encourage parents to check out the schoolÂ’s website and learn about all of the wonderful programs the school offers. Salem has many enrichment opportunities through their Salem Singers, Salem Players, running club, STEM nights and spring festival. The PTA is strong and involved. There are collaborative work spaces, academic rigor within each classroom (not just AIG), and an incredible team of educators in the Special Education department. I find those that work there to be open, competent and encouraging on a daily basis. The school continues to meet or exceed growth in all subgroups, which is REALLY important when looking at schools. They are there to ensure that EVERY child reaches their full potential. It is a true partnership between them and our family. We will be sad to leave when the time comes, but will know that we have received the very best Wake County has to offer!
Posted: February 12, 2019
Homework has been appropriate for each grade level.
Posted: February 11, 2019
The new administration is phenomenal. They are kind, highly visible, know all the students by name and ensure on a daily basis that all the students in their school are getting what they need to be successful. Also, they have worked hard over the past 2 years to build a sense of community that was previously lacking.
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
We have not had any incidents of bullying, so I cannot speak to this.
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Each teacher that either of my children have had has been caring, has known their individual strengths and weaknesses and has provided excellent instruction. Also, communication between home and school is great!
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Salem is an amazing school. Both of my children are having an amazing experience.
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
Posted: February 11, 2019
My children have attended Salem Elementary School for almost 4 years now. We love this school and the year round schedule. The teachers are caring and supportive of all the students. The administration is excellent. There is great communication from the school about activities and special events. I can't imagine my kids attending any other school.
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
Posted: January 29, 2019
SalemÂ’s teachers and leaders are very positive, supportive and effective!
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Posted: November 25, 2018
Principal Evans is excellent, and the teachers we've had have been great.
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Posted: September 17, 2018
Excellent school and fantastic leadership under the relatively new Principal.
Posted: April 8, 2018
Posted: April 8, 2018
Posted: April 8, 2018
My son is below average for reading and they have helped him catch up this year. It is amazing how much progress they helped us achieve. He is becoming a strong reader and finding a great love for reading
Posted: April 8, 2018
Posted: April 8, 2018
I have great communication from my childÂ’s teacher. She is working very hard to catch him reading skills up when the previous school did not attempt to help
Posted: April 8, 2018
Posted: April 8, 2018
I have had a wonderful experience with Salem. The community and communication are wonderful. My child enjoys school now.
Posted: March 5, 2018
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: October 11, 2017
Our experience at Salem has been a positive one. Teachers seem to genuinely care about their students and the students' success. Administration is newer, but have a solid vision and plan for the direction of the school. They are open to parent feedback and seem to want to build the relationships between staff and parents. I am excited to be part of the Salem community.
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: October 11, 2017
Posted: August 8, 2017
I am so proud to be a part of Salem Elementary School. From the administration, to the teachers, to the supportive families and wonderful students- our school is great!
Posted: August 8, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
We recently moved to the area, and this is our first year at Salem (coming from Weatherstone Elementary School in Cary). So far my kindergartener and second-grader have had a fantastic experience. Principal Derrick Evans and Assistant Principal Molly Dillon are approachable, committed to quality academic instruction, very hard-working, and obviously love the students and their families. Principal Evans is very present, personally giving school tours and attending PTA meetings and kindergarten gatherings. The academic and behavioral expectations have been rigorous. Homework is assigned, but it feels purposeful and is not overwhelming. Communication between the school and parents has been very open, both in terms of school-wide information and from my children's teachers (who really appear to have it together!). Thanks to the school staff, my kids have had a smooth start to the year and are adjusting very well. We love the year-round schedule. I just attended my first PTA meeting, and they have so much going on, including cultural enrichment, Grandparent's Day, school-wide literacy promotions, and art enrichment. My kids are loving their Specials teachers and are learning about art, fitness, music, and reading every week. So glad we landed at Salem! Go Salamanders!
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
This is our third year at Salem and the new administration is doing a fantastic job by restoring the greatness of this school, especially Mr. Evans the principal. He is committed to communication between administration, parents, teachers, and students and it shows by his presence at all school events, PTA meetings, the classrooms, and at carpool. Our son started in special education and his teachers have gone above and beyond to help him learn and thrive at school. He is now in regular education due to their hard work in helping him to succeed. The small class sizes are exactly what he needs to learn and each year, his teacher has been highly qualified with either National Board certification or a Master's degree. Salem has once again become a school that I am proud to say my son goes to! Thank you Principal Evans and all of the dedicated teachers and staff!
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: August 2, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Teachers and staff are great, but so many of them are new.
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 27, 2017
Posted: July 10, 2017
In my sons 2nd grade class the teacher installed PVC pipes on bunnies under the desk to tap. For students who need that to focus. I think this is very progressive.
Posted: July 10, 2017
Posted: July 10, 2017
Every teacher we have met and been in contact with has been extremely helpful, caring and welcoming with out boys. We are confident they are getting a strong education and a warm learning enviroment.
Posted: July 10, 2017
Posted: July 10, 2017
Overall I am thrilled to have my two sons attend Salem Elementary. The staff and teachers have been so warm and welcoming. The school is clean bright and airy. My boys really enjoy the school. It is a wonderful year round school that we LOVE!
Posted: July 8, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Posted: June 18, 2017
Salem Elementary is a Great School in Wake county school system.
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
Posted: June 15, 2017
New administration is very inexperienced.....and it shows.
Posted: June 14, 2017
Posted: June 14, 2017
Less than 1 star based on the administration.
Posted: June 14, 2017
Posted: June 14, 2017
Posted: June 14, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: May 23, 2017
New administration is wonderful! The school is welcoming and great now with communication. I feel my kids are loved and are learning. Very happy with this school!
Posted: May 23, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
We love Salem Elementary. I have 2 kids there and it is a great school. The teachers are wonderful. The new principal and assistant principal are fantastic with the kids and parents. They have great events through the year such as a spring carnival and field day. They recently added a few things to the playground and have a running club after school this spring. We especially love the year round schedule. I love seeing how much my kids are learning. We love Salem Elementary.
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: April 16, 2017
Posted: March 6, 2016
If I could give this school a zero I would. My child was there for two years and thankfully we were redistricted. From the time we first toured the school "self guided" when everyone had left for the day, to the last day of school there, it was not a positive experience. Namely the principal and administration who just doesn't care. There is no sense of community and definitely no communication. You have to make multiple phone calls, send emails and sometimes just plain show up if you want issues addressed. This school also excels at blindsiding parents with information on the last day of school that impacts their child for the upcoming school year. Of the two teachers my daughter had I can say one was good, but the other had poor classroom management skills and it was a stressful year for my child. I would NOT recommend this school to anyone. Stay away!!
Posted: February 3, 2014
I am the parent of a rising Kindergardener, and this is our base school. The school administration's lack of responsiveness and unfriendly attitude makes me run the other direction. As any new parent, I wanted to learn more about the school. First, I emailed the principal and requested to talk with her about the school. No answer after several attempts. The staff are not knowledgeable and do not know the answer to many a typical qeustions, like observing, touring, parent orientation, etc.This school does not allow for guided tours during instructional time! There is a SELF GUIDED tour on Tuesday afternoon after school hours, but that does not allow to get good sense of the school climate, kids attitude, interatction between kids, teachers, atmosphere in class, etc. When I raised some concerns about this with a staff member, she just simply hung up the phone. I called back, another staff member clarified to me that these are school policies put in place by the prinicpal for privacy issues, end of discussion. It does not seem that our son would be happy here.
Posted: January 29, 2014
We are one of the first to do student registration, still waiting for the student ID. Other capped schools near by were able to send in long ago. And the response from school always say they are busy and swamped. if they cannot get even to the first few forms yet, wondering how long they are going to take to finish up this registration process.
Posted: October 22, 2013
This is our second year at Salem. Last year was good, but I am rating this below average because: 1) I feel that ensuring consistent teacher quality across grades is critical to student success; 2) leadership, namely principal, presence is important to show to the parents and kids. My son, my youngest child, is a 2nd grader and has the least communicative teacher I have ever encountered. Nothing is posted to the blackboard, she does not send home any newsletter, any emails or any other documentation about what is going on at the school or in the classroom. I have yet to see a homework or test grade. During orientation, it was abundantly clear that she did not know how to use a computer. I have now requested a conference in writing, by email, and by phone and have not heard back at all. I have sent an email to the principal and have not yet received a reply. Twice my son has come home with rips in his shirt because he has been chased down on the playground by the girls. If the situation were reversed, he would be in significant trouble. I have tried to tell him that this is a great learning experience but we are really discounting this year, at this point.
Posted: August 21, 2013
Nothing special about this school. I must admit I haven't been to any others but it is just so-so...testing appears to be the most important thing for the administration as is technology. If you are into that kind of thing than you'd be happy. The administrations main goal seems to be smartboards and iPads. Our test scores are good but that is all they are taught. They say science is in the curriculum but I'm not so sure. Playground is substandard with kids not having grass, balls, goals, or fields to play on. There are old playground structures which are falling apart. The playgrounds are frequented by the neighborhood flocks of geese making it their toilet. There is limited shade.
Posted: August 7, 2013
Salem Elementary is an outstanding school! The teachers and staff are very dedicated to their students and really enjoy their jobs. The administration is incredibly charismatic and knows the children and their families by name. All staff members are friendly and provide a nurturing, loving and safe school environment each and every day. The school is committed to making sure each student is successful both academically and socially. Both of our daughters have flourished at Salem and love attending school because of the expectations and environment that the staff provides.
Posted: January 27, 2013
We thought this was a wonderful school. There were a few things that could have been stronger, but overall it was a great experience for both of my children.
Posted: November 26, 2012
This school used to be great, after many years of being a parent of children at this school, I would rate it at average now. Parent volunteers make this school great. While they do have some good teachers, many good teachers have moved on after the new principal was hired. All about test scores. Salem Elementary test scores and rankings have been falling in recent years.
Posted: November 18, 2012
If your kid is gifted and wants to learn more and faster, you will be most likely disappointed, as that's highly discouraged at Salem and no infrastructures for such. I had to transfer my kid to a magnet school despite almost 2 hrs on bus daily. The school's preference for mediocracy has shown in its declining tesst scores and ranking.
Posted: June 5, 2012
Academics seem pretty good here, but there are lots of good schools in this area. I give an average rating because when it comes to being progressive, Salem Elementary is below average. The school is very much about test scores and not so much about turning out well-rounded conscientious human beings. A 5-star school accomplishes both. The school does not make an effort to be a leader. They do not recycle. They don't have a wellness committee, nor are they interested in starting one. The teachers feed the kids junk food in the classroom very often, including using candy and Froot Loops for kindergarten math, and giving junk food as a reward for good behavior/work, even though this is explicitly against school board policy. They do not offer any foreign language courses at all.
Posted: March 24, 2012
We looked at public and private schools throughout the area and as soon as a spot opened up at Salem Elementary, we jumped on it for our son. The quality of instruction there is far and above what our peers are paying tens of thousands of dollars for at private schools. Where the district fails, parents step in and make up the difference, whether it's funding for more smartboards or volunteering to provide more work with gifted students in math and science. Parent volunteers really make this place tick. When testing end of grade testing preparations made it difficult for teachers to find enough time to support a science fair, a parent stepped in and made it happen as an extra curricular. When the number of students involved in AG swelled, parents stepped in to work with those students in math. The school's Scrabble club (started by the librarian) produced 2 national champions. The school had a month long educational effort around space which culminated in a live Q&A session with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Posted: April 11, 2010
My daughter came from a catholic school in western pa and I thought the adjustment would be difficult for her. She is thriving at Salem. Her school work improved and she is learning so much more than when she was in catholic school. I would highly recommend salem to any parent coming down from the north to our school district!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Raleigh | NC | 11.6 mi | |
| 2 | Hedingham | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Raleigh | NC | 17.4 mi | |
| 3 | Winston Pointe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clayton | NC | 20.1 mi | |
| 4 | Forest Oaks | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bunnlevel | NC | 31.7 mi | |
| 5 | The Summit | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sanford | NC | 32.3 mi | |
| 6 | Sunset Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sanford | NC | 32.7 mi | |
| 7 | Anderson Creek Club | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 32.9 mi | |
| 8 | Carolina Seasons | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Cameron | NC | 34.3 mi | |
| 9 | Overhills Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 35.2 mi | |
| 10 | Forest Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Cameron | NC | 36.5 mi | |
| 11 | Ellerslie Subdivision | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 36.6 mi | |
| 12 | Castlebrooke | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Linden | NC | 37.3 mi | |
| 13 | Deerfield | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Spring Lake | NC | 39.1 mi | |
| 14 | Kings Grant | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 40.3 mi | |
| 15 | Woodlake | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Vass | NC | 40.7 mi | |
| 16 | Stonegate Apartments | Apartment Complex | Spring Lake | NC | 41 mi | |
| 17 | Inverness | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 41.5 mi | |
| 18 | Patriot Park Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 41.6 mi | |
| 19 | Kinwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fayetteville | NC | 42.6 mi | |
| 20 | College Lakes | Area of Town | Fayetteville | NC | 42.9 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Ramsey Road | Fayetteville | NC | 38.5 mi | |
| 2 | Spring Lake | Spring Lake | NC | 41 mi | |
| 3 | Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base | Spring Lake | NC | 41.4 mi | |
| 4 | Vass | Vass | NC | 42.2 mi | |
| 5 | Carthage | Carthage | NC | 42.6 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Raleigh National Guard | 8.8 mi. |
| Pope Field | 41.3 mi. |
| Fort Bragg | 46.5 mi. |
