For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 3,177 students in Salem, MA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Salem, MA are Salem Academy Charter School, Carlton and Saltonstall School. 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 40%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 42% statewide average). Elementary schools in Salem have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary 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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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
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 elementary schools in Salem, MA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Salem, MA include Salem Academy Charter School, Carlton and Saltonstall School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Salem?
8 public elementary schools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public elementary schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public elementary schools average of 49% (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, Collins Middle School vs. Salem Academy Charter School, Horace Mann Laboratory vs. Saltonstall School
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