Summary:
ZIP code 84653, including the Salem area, has eight schools serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12: three elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and two alternative schools. Reported enrollment totals 13,622 students, but Nebo Online School accounts for 7,791 of them, so its online K–12 program should be considered separately from the area’s traditional schools. Most schools belong to the Nebo District, which ranks near the middle of Utah districts, while American Preparatory Academy–Salem belongs to its own higher-ranked district.
For elementary students, Foothills School is the strongest overall performer. It ranks in the 83rd percentile statewide and exceeds district and state averages in reported English language arts, mathematics, and science results. American Preparatory Academy–Salem also stands out, particularly in science and middle-grade mathematics, with several results above 70 percent. Salem School has shown the most notable recent improvement, rising from the mid-30th percentile to the 52nd percentile. In contrast, Mt. Loafer School has the weakest elementary assessment results and a declining ranking trend.
Among secondary schools, Salem Hills High has the strongest completion outcomes, with a 95.6 percent graduation rate and a 4.0 percent dropout rate, although its assessment results are moderate. Valley View Middle performs well in grade 7 mathematics and grade 6 science, while Salem Junior High needs particular attention in mathematics and grade 9 results. Attendance is the broadest concern: chronic absenteeism exceeds 30 percent at several traditional schools, reaching 39.8 percent at Salem Hills and 38.2 percent at Salem Junior High. Parents should compare schools by grade level and program, giving special attention to attendance support and mathematics instruction.
Thank you for your feedback!