At a glance
Reported students
371
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
36.49
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
10.2:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–05
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Virginia elementary enrollment
24th percentile
Compared with 1,139 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
404
South Salem Elementary: 371 reported students.
State peer staffing position
4th percentile
10.2:1 reported; state peer median 13.9:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 379
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28.92
- Student–teacher ratio
- 13.1:1
What the reported data says about South Salem Elementary
South Salem Elementary is a public elementary school serving grades PK–05 in Salem. It is one of 8 current school records connected to Salem City Public Schools. NCES reports 371 students for 2024–25.
Among 1,139 elementary schools in Virginia with comparable records, this school is smaller than the reported median of 503 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 24th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 10.2:1, below the Virginia median of 13.9:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (76%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.7%). English learners represent 3.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 17.4%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking South Salem Elementary
- 1How do the reported 10.2:1 student–teacher ratio and 36.49 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1.25 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 3.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 17.4%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 40.2%
- Lunch program
- Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1.25
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1.17
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0.5
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0.25
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White76%
- Hispanic9.7%
- Black8.1%
- Asian2.2%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial4%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Salem City Public Schools
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
West Salem Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
375 reported students
East Salem Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
378 reported students
G.W. Carver Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–05
404 reported students
Virginia Virtual Academy at Salem
Other · Grades KG–12
415 reported students
Salem Alternative
Other · Grades Not reported
Enrollment not reported
Andrew Lewis Middle
Middle · Grades 06–08
839 reported students
Public schools near South Salem Elementary
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Salem Elementary Elementary · Salem City Public Schools | PK–05 | 375 | 1.4 mi |
| G.W. Carver Elementary Elementary · Salem City Public Schools | PK–05 | 404 | 1.6 mi |
| Fort Lewis Elementary Elementary · Roanoke County Public Schools | PK–05 | 250 | 1.7 mi |
| Glenvar Elementary Elementary · Roanoke County Public Schools | PK–05 | 372 | 3 mi |
| East Salem Elementary Elementary · Salem City Public Schools | PK–05 | 378 | 3.1 mi |
| Oak Grove Elementary Elementary · Roanoke County Public Schools | PK–05 | 400 | 3.5 mi |
Frequently asked questions about South Salem Elementary
What grades does South Salem Elementary serve?
South Salem Elementary reports grades PK–05 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Salem City Public Schools.
How many students attend South Salem Elementary?
South Salem Elementary reported 371 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 24th percentile among 1,139 Virginia elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 379 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at South Salem Elementary?
The calculated ratio is 10.2:1, based on 371 students and 36.49 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Virginia median for the same school level is 13.9:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is South Salem Elementary a public, charter, or magnet school?
South Salem Elementary is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Salem City Public Schools attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of South Salem Elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
40.2% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is South Salem Elementary in?
South Salem Elementary is part of Salem City Public Schools, based in Salem, VA, which operates 8 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near South Salem Elementary?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include West Salem Elementary (1.4 mi), G.W. Carver Elementary (1.6 mi), Fort Lewis Elementary (1.7 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.