Salem

Salem is an alternative school in Tylertown, Mississippi, serving 469 students in grades K-12 as part of the Walthall County School District. Despite its alternative designation, it operates as a full K-12 campus. The school has a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10.7 to 1, which has improved in recent years and allows for more individualized attention. About 65% of students currently qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, though this figure was near 100% in prior years, likely due to changes in how meal programs are reported.

Academically, Salem shows notable strengths in several areas. Students outperform both district and state averages in Biology (83.3% proficient versus 63.1% statewide) and 8th-grade science (65.8% versus 57.8% statewide). English Language Arts results are also strong, with 3rd-grade ELA at 70.4% proficiency compared to 48.5% statewide, and 8th-grade ELA at 53.6% versus 40.9% statewide. However, middle-school math is a significant concern. Only 25.8% of 6th graders are proficient in math, compared to 52.7% statewide, and 5th and 7th grade math also trail state averages by wide margins. This pattern suggests that while early elementary math starts strong, students struggle during the middle-school transition.

Two areas deserve close attention. Salem's graduation rate fell sharply to 76.6% in the most recent year, down from 95.2% the year before, and now trails both the district (79.7%) and the state (89.2%). Chronic absenteeism has also risen to 20.6%, meaning about one in five students is missing significant school time. With no other schools located within 20 miles, Salem serves as the primary educational option for families in this rural area. The school's small class sizes and strong science and ELA programs are real assets, but improving middle-school math, attendance, and graduation outcomes will be critical going forward.