| Metric | Salem School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,611 | 3,544 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,915/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 19% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem School District (this district) | 8/10 | 71st | 3,611 |
| Windham School District | 10/10 | 95th | 3,013 |
| Timberlane Regional School District | 7/10 | 65th | 3,316 |
| Pelham School District | 6/10 | 50th | 1,688 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 75 rated districts in NH → 71st percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- William E. Lancaster School — 0.2 mi · Grades K–5 · 294 students
- Woodbury School — 0.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 762 students
- Salem High School — 0.7 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,116 students
- Mary A. Fisk Elementary School — 0.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 272 students
- Salem Preschool — 0.9 mi · Grades PK–PK · 113 students
- Dr. L. F. Soule School — 1.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 270 students
- William T. Barron Elementary School — 2.3 mi · Grades K–5 · 377 students
- North Salem Elementary School — 2.5 mi · Grades K–5 · 353 students
About Salem School District
Salem School District serves zip code 03079, covering Salem, New Hampshire with grades Pre-K–12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Salem School District 8 out of 10 — above average among New Hampshire public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 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 New Hampshire is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Salem School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in New Hampshire. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 03079
Children in zip code 03079 are assigned to Salem School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 03079, 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 the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — New Hampshire 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
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Salem School District serves zip code 03079, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 03079. 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 New Hampshire, 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 03079.
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 and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. 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 03079 data.