For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,299 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, Carlton and New Liberty Innovation 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 23% (versus the Massachusetts public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public school average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salem, MA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Salem Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
45 Congress St., Shetland Park
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-2105
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-2105
Grades: 6-12
| 488 students
Rank: #22.
Carlton
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10 Skerry Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1280
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1280
Grades: K-5
| 254 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
New Liberty Innovation School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2 East India Square, Suite 200
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Grades: 9-12
| 45 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Salem Prep High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2 Museum Place Mall, 2nd Floor
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1171
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1171
Grades: 8-12
| 17 students
Rank: #55.
Salem High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
77 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Grades: 9-12
| 948 students
Rank: #66.
Saltonstall School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
211 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1297
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1297
Grades: K-8
| 390 students
Rank: #77.
Bates
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
53 Liberty Hill Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1250
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1250
Grades: PK-5
| 397 students
Rank: #88.
Horace Mann Laboratory
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Grades: PK-5
| 307 students
Rank: #99.
Collins Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1191
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1191
Grades: 6-8
| 625 students
Rank: #1010.
Witchcraft Heights
(Math: 14% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1 Frederick Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1271
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1271
Grades: K-5
| 446 students
Rank: #1111.
Bentley Academy Innovation School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Grades: K-5
| 270 students
Rank: n/an/a
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1221
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1221
Grades: PK
| 112 students
Salem, Massachusetts Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bentley Academy Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
25 Memorial Drive
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1260
Grades: K-5
| 248 students
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Grades: K-8
| 378 students
79 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1290
Grades: K-8
| 480 students
New Liberty Charter School Of Salem (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2 East India Square, Suite 200
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 825-3470
Grades: 9-12
| 53 students
77 Willson Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 740-1123
Grades: 9-12
| 1,383 students
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, Carlton and New Liberty Innovation School.
How many public schools are located in Salem?
12 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 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public schools average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salem include: Bates vs. Carlton, Collins Middle School vs. Saltonstall School, Carlton vs. Bates
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