1920 McVitty Rd
Salem, VA 24153

Salem High School (VA) is described by some as miserable due to reports of racism, uncomfortable racial slurs from administration, and a lack of focus on student well-being outside of athletics. Other factors contributing to this perception include constant budget cuts, biased layoffs, and inconsistent administration. Key reasons for the negative perception of Salem High School include:Racial Environment: Students have reported experiencing racism and hearing racial slurs used by administration, making them feel unwelcome.Lack of Support/Well-being: There is a perception that the school focuses heavily on football, neglecting other sports, activities, and the overall well-being of the student body.Administration and Funding Issues: Constant budget cuts, inconsistent management, and biased layoffs have contributed to a rough experience for students.Student Unhappiness: Survey data indicates a low percentage (36%) of students in the Salem-Keizer district feel welcome, with reports of bullying, violence, and a need for better counseling services. Note: The search results also indicate that for some, the school is considered great academically and for football.

This school has continually been the breeding grounds for local community violence, brought upon us by uncontrolled bullying,both cyber and physical. The staffs continual disregard, and lack of compassion and lack of correct protocols, are a disgrace to what we as humans entrust our dept. Of education and local facility faculty to manage our children's education and safety while under their watch. Most kids who attend this school will tell you about the bullying and uncontrolled physical violence that happens on a daily basis. My own child now states she is unsure as to whether she is safe at school or not, due to the faculty and RO Officers lack of engagement, and not acknowledging the issues at hand.My opinion is simple, if you want your child to just go to "daycare" per say. Where no one effectively manages their education or well being, then this schools the place for you. If your a fellow human, that wants the best opportunity for your child, both educationally and mentally, then please take them elsewhere, or for that matter teach them yourselves. But most importantly equip them with a properly functioning moral compass, and how to treat every other life as if it were theirs. For many many years ALMS has allowed these situations to occur, mostly swept under the rug, until proper parents have came forward and pursued some sort of difference. Salem wake up!!!! Be the difference! Help lead our youth the proper direction!

Principal Routt started at East in the fall of 2019 when my son started Kindergarten.She has had an absolutely wonderful impact on the school as had Assistant Principal Thomas. Routt and Thomas knows each child in the school personally and are vested in ensuring their social, emotional and academic needs are being met. Also, all of my kids teachers are happy with the school leadership which speaks volumes. Additionally, the teachers at East are stellar. They are driven and compassionate to see the students do well but also understand kids are kids and make the learning environment fun, comfortable and engaging. And the school collectively met the challenges of everything Covid sent their way. I am so happy my children get to experience the inviting, diverse and compassionate environment of East.