West Salem Elementary

Summary:

West Salem Elementary is a public elementary school in Salem, Virginia, serving 399 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Salem City Public Schools district, which is ranked 20 out of 130 districts in Virginia and has a 4-star rating.

West Salem Elementary stands out for its strong academic performance, consistently outperforming district and state averages on SOL (Standards of Learning) assessments, particularly in math and reading. For example, the school's 4th-grade math proficiency rate was 82.5% in 2023-2024, compared to 78.68% for the district and 71.16% for the state. The school also shows impressive results for specific student groups, such as male students and disabled students, who perform higher than the state average in their respective categories. However, the school's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, ranging from 225 out of 1,103 Virginia elementary schools in 2020-2021 to 561 out of 1,109 in 2021-2022.

While West Salem Elementary has a relatively homogeneous student population, with a higher percentage of white students compared to surrounding schools, the school's free and reduced-price lunch rate has increased, indicating a growing population of students from lower-income families. When compared to other elementary schools in the Salem City Public Schools district and the neighboring Roanoke County Public Schools district, West Salem Elementary generally outperforms its peers on academic measures, particularly in South Salem Elementary and Fort Lewis Elementary, which have shown even stronger performance in certain areas.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 520 N Bruffey St
       Salem, VA  24153-2598


(540) 387-2503

District: Salem City Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
370th of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,622 Help


Students who attend West Salem Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Andrew Lewis Middle
High:    Salem High

Student/teacher ratio:  15.9 Help
Number of students:  407

Racial breakdown:

White:
81.3%
African American:
7.9%
Hispanic:
5.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  40.3% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details West Salem Elementary ranks better than 66.8% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks 3rd among 4 ranked elementary schools in the Salem City Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 69.04. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (81.3%), African American (7.9%), Hispanic (5.4%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 40.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Salem City Public Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at West Salem Elementary is 15.9, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Salem City Public Schools District! (See more...)
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Compare West Salem Elementary employs 25.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at West Salem Elementary is $8,622. 2 elementary schools in the Salem City Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

West Salem Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks West Salem Elementary 370th of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See West Salem Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
White students:


Salem City Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Salem City Public Schools 20th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for West Salem Elementary

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Rank History for all students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 71.15 250th 1062 76.5%
2006 77.19 160th 1071 85.1%
2007 70.16 274th 1083 74.7%
2008 71.87 243rd 1081 77.5%
2009 61.34 408th 1082 62.3%
2010 61.19 426th 1113 61.7%
2011 74.53 204th 1117 81.7%
2012 71.23 259th 1117 76.8%
2013 72.64 260th 1120 76.8%
2014 74.33 230th 1110 79.3%
2015 75.03 217th 1100 80.3%
2016 67.06 349th 1096 68.2%
2017 69.15 318th 1099 71.1%
2018 60.87 456th 1097 58.4%
2019 64.26 427th 1105 61.4%
2021 78.80 225th 1103 79.6%
2022 53.25 561st 1109 49.4%
2023 61.29 463rd 1114 58.4%
2024 69.04 370th 1114 66.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 64.31 360th 1036 65.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 53.03 563rd 1100 48.8%
2024 61.45 447th 1098 59.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 77.86 41st 355 88.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 66.45 371st 1093 66.1%
2024 73.64 284th 1101 74.2%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at West Salem Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 42.15 637th 984 35.3%
2024 55.55 490th 979 49.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

West Salem Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Virginia Department of Education

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Enrollment information for West Salem Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 386 386
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 404 404
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 424 424
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 436 436
1993 417 9 9 0 0 n/a n/a 0 435
1994 413 13 6 0 0 n/a n/a 0 432
1995 424 10 8 0 0 n/a n/a 0 442
1996 424 10 8 0 0 n/a n/a 0 442
1997 452 9 7 2 0 n/a n/a 0 470
1998 457 5 7 0 0 n/a n/a 0 469
1999 443 11 7 0 0 n/a n/a 0 461
2000 474 15 5 1 0 n/a n/a -4 491
2001 446 15 7 2 1 n/a n/a 0 471
2002 416 13 5 3 0 n/a n/a 0 437
2003 416 13 5 3 0 n/a n/a 0 437
2004 404 19 7 5 0 n/a n/a 0 435
2005 383 21 7 4 0 n/a n/a 0 415
2006 403 19 8 3 3 n/a n/a 0 436
2007 379 28 10 4 2 n/a n/a 1 424
2008 372 25 11 5 4 n/a n/a 1 418
2009 353 19 12 4 4 n/a n/a 2 394
2010 357 20 11 4 2 n/a n/a 5 399
2011 359 32 11 3 1 0 2 0 408
2012 362 21 11 8 0 0 13 0 415
2013 369 24 9 8 0 1 13 0 424
2014 357 18 7 9 0 1 12 0 404
2015 374 19 8 10 0 0 12 0 423
2016 356 18 9 6 0 0 8 0 397
2017 375 28 11 5 0 0 7 0 426
2018 392 28 4 4 0 0 11 0 439
2019 375 30 5 5 0 0 11 0 426
2020 408 27 4 9 0 0 12 0 460
2021 351 21 5 8 1 0 6 0 392
2022 349 23 8 11 0 0 8 0 399
2023 342 22 11 15 0 0 9 0 399
2024 331 32 11 22 0 0 11 0 407

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at West Salem Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 386 22.8 16.9 n/a
1990 404 23.8 16.9 n/a
1991 424 24.3 17.4 n/a
1992 436 24.7 17.6 n/a
1993 435 25.3 17.2 n/a
1994 432 18.5 n/a 11.6
1995 442 n/a 0.0 10
1996 442 n/a 0.0 10
1997 470 n/a 0.0 10.2
1998 469 n/a 0.0 10.7
1999 461 31.0 14.9 15
2000 491 n/a 0.0 14.7
2001 471 31.1 15.1 11
2002 437 40.6 10.8 14
2003 437 40.6 10.8 14
2004 435 37.6 11.6 n/a
2005 415 33.5 12.4 17.8
2006 436 33.0 13.2 18.3
2007 424 36.1 11.7 17.7
2008 418 26.1 16.0 16.8
2009 394 26.0 15.2 20.4
2010 399 24.0 16.6 20.8
2011 408 23.0 17.7 20.6
2012 415 24.0 17.2 24.3
2013 424 26.5 16.0 26.7
2014 404 26.7 15.1 27.7
2015 423 25.0 16.9 25.8
2016 397 25.0 15.8 21.4
2017 426 25.1 16.9 23.7
2018 439 26.5 16.5 30.8
2019 426 26.5 16.0 30.8
2020 460 28.0 16.4 29.1
2021 392 28.1 13.9 n/a
2022 399 27.2 14.6 33.6
2023 399 27.5 14.5 36.6
2024 407 25.5 15.9 40.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio West Salem Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 386 22.8 16.9 n/a
1990 404 23.8 16.9 n/a
1991 424 24.3 17.4 n/a
1992 436 24.7 17.6 n/a
1993 435 25.3 17.2 n/a
1994 432 18.5 n/a 11.6
1995 442 n/a 0.0 10
1996 442 n/a 0.0 10
1997 470 n/a 0.0 10.2
1998 469 n/a 0.0 10.7
1999 461 31.0 14.9 15
2000 491 n/a 0.0 14.7
2001 471 31.1 15.1 11
2002 437 40.6 10.8 14
2003 437 40.6 10.8 14
2004 435 37.6 11.6 n/a
2005 415 33.5 12.4 17.8
2006 436 33.0 13.2 18.3
2007 424 36.1 11.7 17.7
2008 418 26.1 16.0 16.8
2009 394 26.0 15.2 20.4
2010 399 24.0 16.6 20.8
2011 408 23.0 17.7 20.6
2012 415 24.0 17.2 24.3
2013 424 26.5 16.0 26.7
2014 404 26.7 15.1 27.7
2015 423 25.0 16.9 25.8
2016 397 25.0 15.8 21.4
2017 426 25.1 16.9 23.7
2018 439 26.5 16.5 30.8
2019 426 26.5 16.0 30.8
2020 460 28.0 16.4 29.1
2021 392 28.1 13.9 n/a
2022 399 27.2 14.6 33.6
2023 399 27.5 14.5 36.6
2024 407 25.5 15.9 40.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for West Salem Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $108 (1.4%) $7,757 (98.6%) $7,865
2020 $105 (1.4%) $7,655 (98.6%) $7,761
2021 $254 (2.9%) $8,368 (97.1%) $8,622

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on West Salem Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 427th of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 463rd of 1114 Elementary schools
 2.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (West Salem Elementary)9186.1
 4.9%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Salem City Public Schools)8682.9
 3.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (West Salem Elementary)9382.3
 10.7%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Salem City Public Schools)8078.7
 1.3%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (West Salem Elementary)8775
 12%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Salem City Public Schools)8379.1
 3.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (West Salem Elementary)8176.6
 4.4%
   4th Grade English Reading (Salem City Public Schools)7779.5
 2.5%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (West Salem Elementary)8065.9
 14.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Salem City Public Schools)8876.8
 11.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (West Salem Elementary)7863.4
 14.6%
   5th Grade Science (Salem City Public Schools)7967.1
 11.9%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (West Salem Elementary)8067.1
 12.9%
   5th Grade English Reading (Salem City Public Schools)7768.4
 8.7%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students426399
 6.3%
African American3022
 26.7%
American Indian00
Asian511
 120%
Hispanic515
 200%
Pacific Islander00
White375342
 8.8%
Two or More Races119
 18.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients30.8%36.6%
 5.8%


Schools Near West Salem Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about West Salem Elementary

Students who attend West Salem Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Andrew Lewis Middle
High : Salem High

In the 2023-24 school year, 407 students attended West Salem Elementary.

Students at West Salem Elementary are 81% White, 8% African American, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 3% Two or more races.

West Salem Elementary ranks 370th of 1114 Virginia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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