Salem High School is a secondary school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a Visual and Performing Arts Academy; one of eight magnet programs in Virginia Beach. Students throughout the city interested in these arts can apply.
Serving 1,675 students in grades 9-12, Salem High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 79% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 90% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,675 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 30% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 79% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Salem High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Salem High School's student population of 1,675 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,675 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1989
Colors
White, Black, Scarlet, Silver
School Rankings
Salem High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salem High School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#113 out of 1792 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)79%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)90%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)68%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
8%
Hispanic
15%
19%
Black
26%
22%
White
37%
44%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sundevils
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salem High School's ranking?
Salem High School is ranked #113 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Salem High School often compared to?
Salem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tallwood High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Salem High School?
The graduation rate of Salem High School is 93%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Salem High School?
1,675 students attend Salem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Salem High School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Salem High School?
Salem High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Salem High School offer ?
Salem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Salem High School part of?
Salem High School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
School Reviews
Review Salem High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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