- Witchcraft Heights — Grades K–5 · 455 students
- Bates — Grades PK–5 · 410 students
- Horace Mann Laboratory — Grades PK–5 · 293 students
- Bentley Academy Innovation School — Grades PK–5 · 286 students
- Carlton — Grades K–5 · 247 students
- Salem Early Childhood — Grades PK–PK · 106 students
- Collins Middle — Grades 6–8 · 611 students
- Salem High — Grades 9–12 · 952 students
- New Liberty Innovation School — Grades 9–12 · 36 students
- Salem Prep High School — Grades 9–12 · 23 students
- Saltonstall School — Grades K–8 · 412 students
| Metric | Salem School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,752 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,400/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem School District (this district) | 2/10 | 17th | 3,752 |
| Triton School District | 7/10 | 65th | 2,261 |
| Rockport School District | 5/10 | 45th | 748 |
| Beverly School District | 6/10 | 59th | 4,648 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 287 rated districts in MA → 17th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Massachusetts DESE MCAS, grades 3–8 Meeting/Exceeding Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Salem School District
Families in zip code 01970 (Salem, Massachusetts) are assigned to Salem School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Massachusetts spend approximately $20,400 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), well above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts at this funding level typically offer smaller class sizes, broader elective and extracurricular programs, stronger technology infrastructure, and more competitive teacher salaries. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 10 schools serving grades Kindergarten – 12th, Salem School District qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), Salem School District ranks among Massachusetts’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Massachusetts’ MCAS grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Massachusetts is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Salem School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Massachusetts on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 01970
Children in zip code 01970 are assigned to Salem School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 01970, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Salem School District at (870)895-2516 or visit www.salemschools.net. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Massachusetts districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Salem
For families considering a purchase in the Salem area, district assignment matters financially. Because Salem School District serves zip code 01970, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 01970. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Massachusetts, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Salem School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 01970.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Salem School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 01970 data.