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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Salem Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 5,045 students in Salem, MA (there are 2 private schools, serving 55 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Salem, MA are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, MA are Salem Academy Charter School, New Liberty Innovation School and Salem Prep High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, MA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Salem, MA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Salem Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
45 Congress St., Shetland Park
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-2105
Gr: 6-12 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
New Liberty Innovation School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2 East India Square, Suite 200
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Gr: 9-12 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Salem Prep High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2 Museum Place Mall, 2nd Floor
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1171
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Carlton
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
10 Skerry Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1280
Gr: K-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #55.
Salem High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
77 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Gr: 9-12 | 952 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #66.
Bates
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
53 Liberty Hill Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1250
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #77.
Saltonstall School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
211 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1297
Gr: K-8 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #88.
Witchcraft Heights
(Math: 24% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Frederick Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1271
Gr: K-5 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Collins Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1191
Gr: 6-8 | 611 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Horace Mann Laboratory
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #1111.
Bentley Academy Innovation School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Gr: PK-5 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
Salem Early Childhood
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1221
Gr: PK | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: n/an/a
Swampscott Elementary School
10 Whitman Road
Salem, MA 01970
(781) 596-8847
Gr: K-4 | 734 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 24%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Salem, MA?
The top-ranked public schools in Salem, MA include Salem Academy Charter School, New Liberty Innovation School and Salem Prep High School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
13 public schools are located in Salem.
What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the MA state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?

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