Salem High School
Salem, VA 24153
Phone: (540) 387-2437
District: Salem City Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 9-12 • 1202 students
Salem High School serves grades 9-12 in the Salem City Public Schools district. It is among the few public high schools in Virginia to receive a distinguished GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10.
Salem High School is a public school located in Salem, VA. 1202 students attend Salem High School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | 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 Virginia Standards of Learning data from Virginia Department of Education, and using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course data from Virginia Department of Education. |
| College Readiness | 7/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Virginia Department of Education, using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics, and using 2025 demographic data from Virginia Department of Education. |
Posted: December 24, 2025
Salem High School (VA) is described by some as miserable due to reports of racism, uncomfortable racial slurs from administration, and a lack of focus on student well-being outside of athletics. Other factors contributing to this perception include constant budget cuts, biased layoffs, and inconsistent administration.
Key reasons for the negative perception of Salem High School include:
Racial Environment: Students have reported experiencing racism and hearing racial slurs used by administration, making them feel unwelcome.
Lack of Support/Well-being: There is a perception that the school focuses heavily on football, neglecting other sports, activities, and the overall well-being of the student body.
Administration and Funding Issues: Constant budget cuts, inconsistent management, and biased layoffs have contributed to a rough experience for students.
Student Unhappiness: Survey data indicates a low percentage (36%) of students in the Salem-Keizer district feel welcome, with reports of bullying, violence, and a need for better counseling services.
Note: The search results also indicate that for some, the school is considered great academically and for football.
Posted: December 24, 2025
Posted: December 24, 2025
Posted: December 24, 2025
Posted: December 24, 2025
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Posted: December 24, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
This school and the city is the opposite of inclusive. If you are not playing a sport or getting a private coach you are looked down upon and made to feel less than adequate. There is no guidance or intellectual outlets for the students who are advanced and or "gifted". The school is not investing any time on the actual student and or his or her preparation for what happens after high school.
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: June 1, 2025
Posted: September 20, 2022
School has a horrible bully problem, including from teachers and staff. Most teachers look to join in on the popular kids to make their lives easier. No support for victims of bullying. Swept under the rug most of the time.
Faculty and staff often only care for a handful of select students while the majority of students are ignored. They only care that students pass the bare minimum.
Wholly believe this is a low tier school with many damaging social problems.
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: September 20, 2022
Posted: August 6, 2016
Freshman Year, the upperclassmen were so inviting and hospitable rather than condescending to the underclassmen. The teachers I have had these past 4 years have all been exceedingly intelligent and capable as well as engaged with their students. I can only remember one uninterested History teacher in my highschool education. I have adored all of the math instructors!!! I'm not an analytical person but these teachers showed me a passion for math. I'm sad that Mrs. Norris retired from teaching Physics, yet I've heard good things about her replacement. All of the teachers LOVE their subjects, teaching, and education as a whole. My art teachers' faith in me was unwavering. Spanish was one of my favorite classes. I ended up traveling to Guatemala and using it the summer before Senior Year! Yes, the school may be half a century old, and some upper classmen may be snotty. But overall, the attitude of Salem High School is unbeatable. As well as our Football Team!!! I love the digital citizenship announcements and our principals that keep it real. Even the guidance counselors are amazing. Before criticizing our school, I wish others would have the chance to experence what we get to.
-Salem High School Senior (2017)
Posted: January 17, 2014
Salem High School is a wonderful place to attend high school. Salem offers many clubs students can get involved in. The International Baccalaureate program is also provided. Dual enrollment with Virginia Western is also a major plus (it is free as of 2013-). This is my fourth year attending Salem High School and it has been a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend this school. The teachers & staff are super friendly. Salem's only faulty is having to be apart of the SOL system. This is Virginia's downfall to the education system. Too much time is wasted on preparing and reviewing for single test. More time could be spend on teaching children if the SOL didn't ruin Salem's excellency. Salem also has great sports programs. The football field is absolutely amazing. It's better than some college stadiums. Salem High School is a bit dated but in the next upcoming years, it is expected that renovations will be made. Overall, Salem is a great place to attend high school and I recommend you to stop by and visit if you are further interested.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond Hill South | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Christiansburg | VA | 21.9 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown | Blacksburg | VA | 19 mi |
There are no bases within 50 miles of Salem High School.
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