Best Public Schools in Salem, SD (2025-26)

Best Salem Public Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 472 students in Salem, SD (there are , serving 63 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Salem, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).

The top ranked public schools in Salem, SD are Goldenview Colony School - 04, Mccook Central High School - 01 and Mccook Central Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.

Salem, SD public schools have an score of 37% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and score of 43% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Salem have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public schools.

Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Salem, SD (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Goldenview Colony School - 04

(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
:

Bottom 50%

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25473 438th Ave
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264

Gr: K-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1

Rank: #22.

Mccook Central High School - 01

(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
:

Bottom 50%

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200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264

Gr: 9-12 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%

Rank: #33.

Mccook Central Elementary - 02

(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
:

Bottom 50%

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200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264

Gr: PK-4 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%

Rank: #44.

Mccook Central Middle School - 03

(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
:

Bottom 50%

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200 E Essex
Salem, SD 57058
(605) 425-2264

Gr: 5-8 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Salem, SD?

The top ranked public schools in Salem, SD include Goldenview Colony School - 04, Mccook Central High School - 01 and Mccook Central Elementary - 02.

How many public schools are located in Salem?

4 public schools are located in Salem.

What percentage of students in Salem go to public school?

88% of all K-12 students in Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).

What is the racial composition of students in Salem?

Salem public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).