For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,041 students in Salem, VA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salem, VA are Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, VA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 67%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in Salem have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Salem, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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
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 elementary schools in Salem, VA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salem, VA include Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Salem?
10 public elementary schools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public elementary schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary 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
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