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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Salem Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,928 students in Salem, MA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salem, MA are Salem Academy Charter School, Carlton and Bates. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, MA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 42% statewide average). Elementary schools in Salem have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary 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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #6 - 76. - 7.
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: #6 - 76. - 7.
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: #88.
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
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 elementary schools in Salem, MA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Salem, MA include Salem Academy Charter School, Carlton and Bates.
How many public elementary schools are located in Salem?
9 public elementary schools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public elementary schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Salem include: Bates vs. Carlton, Carlton vs. Bates, Collins Middle School vs. Saltonstall School

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