Salem Church Middle

Summary:

Salem Church Middle is a public middle school located in Richmond, Virginia, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 910 students. The school is part of the Chesterfield County Public Schools district, which is ranked 82 out of 130 school districts in Virginia and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Salem Church Middle has a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools, with higher percentages of Hispanic (33.96%) and African American (31.21%) students, the school consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of Virginia middle schools, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past few years. The school's performance on SOL (Standards of Learning) tests is significantly lower than the Chesterfield County and Virginia averages across various subjects and grade levels. Additionally, Salem Church Middle has a very high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, reaching 79.56% in the 2022-2023 school year, which is significantly higher than the nearby schools like Swift Creek Middle and Elizabeth Davis Middle.

The widening performance gap between Salem Church Middle and the Chesterfield County and Virginia averages is particularly concerning, with the school ranking in the bottom 10-20% of Virginia middle schools for Hispanic, White, and Low Socioeconomic Status students. While the overall student population has remained relatively stable, the racial composition has shifted, with a decrease in the percentage of White students and an increase in the percentage of Hispanic students. These challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions and support to improve educational outcomes for the students at Salem Church Middle.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 9700 Salem Church Rd.;
       Richmond, VA  23237-3128


(804) 768-6225

District: Chesterfield County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
401st of 417 Virginia Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $6,955 Help


Students who attend Salem Church Middle usually attend:

High:    Lloyd C. Bird High

Feeder schools for Salem Church Middle:

Elementary:    Bellwood Elementary
    Salem Church Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  14.6 Help
Number of students:  910

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
34.0%
African American:
31.2%
White:
27.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  79.6% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Salem Church Middle ranks worse than 96.2% of middle schools in Virginia. It also ranks 11th among 12 ranked middle schools in the Chesterfield County Public Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 7.74. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Salem Church Middle has the largest middle school student body size in the Chesterfield County Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Salem Church Middle is $6,955, which is the 5th highest among 12 middle schools in the Chesterfield County Public Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Salem Church Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Salem Church Middle 401st of 417 Virginia public middle schools. (See Salem Church Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Chesterfield County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Chesterfield County Public Schools 82nd of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Salem Church Middle

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 45.23 232nd 340 31.8%
2006 46.29 221st 383 42.3%
2007 40.75 267th 387 31.0%
2008 70.68 67th 391 82.9%
2009 55.62 149th 390 61.8%
2010 59.39 137th 408 66.4%
2011 45.04 245th 413 40.7%
2012 49.13 214th 413 48.2%
2013 36.51 275th 416 33.9%
2014 31.90 305th 416 26.7%
2015 33.62 297th 412 27.9%
2016 29.75 320th 409 21.8%
2017 34.99 292nd 415 29.6%
2018 36.40 287th 413 30.5%
2019 38.03 286th 424 32.5%
2021 12.58 388th 419 7.4%
2022 17.96 363rd 415 12.5%
2023 9.00 400th 422 5.2%
2024 7.74 401st 417 3.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 15.08 222nd 237 6.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 25.29 82nd 100 18.0%
2024 25.77 97th 122 20.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 13.23 375th 402 6.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 8.03 393rd 411 4.4%
2024 8.30 389th 407 4.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 17.06 246th 278 11.5%
2024 21.95 223rd 281 20.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 10.87 383rd 409 6.4%
2024 7.73 390th 407 4.2%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 24.98 239th 298 19.8%
2024 26.93 235th 299 21.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 12.41 263rd 275 4.4%
2024 8.10 267th 272 1.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Salem Church Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 3.58 400th 402 0.5%
2024 3.23 395th 396 0.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Salem Church Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2)
25%

0%

0%

0%

75%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, June 15, 2017

Open Quote Principal at this school is dreadful. She has successfully run away over 20 wonderful teachers in her first year and that's not counting the ones that just went ahead and decided to retire! . She allows the students to behave in ways that make it difficult for others to learn. According to the teachers, she micromanages everything and they are just down-trodden and exhausted!
I have done my research and she was also run out of DC Public School, Loudoun County and Richmond City. Why would Chesterfield feel the need to hire someone that has been in so many places in such a short career? There have to be better candidates. Close Quote


by a citizen
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Open Quote Probably the worst school in Chesterfield County! The behavior of the students is despicable and sadly the good kids suffer at the hands of the uncontrollable faction that exist. The teachers get no support from parents or admin and the current principal is a tyrant! She has no experience in CCPS and is striving to make this Richmond City in Chesterfield. Teachers come and go as quickly as they can and many of the ones that are still there are simply trapped and waiting for a way to escape. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Open Quote This is a horrible school. My child has been subjected to continued bullying despite my efforts of reporting to the administration several times and working with the counselors and the resource officer she was attacked by the 2 children who have continually bullied her. Along with the bullies, the school suspended my daughter as well even though she had tried to walk away from them and stated that if she had laid down in the fetal position or stood in the corner with her face covered while the other 2 children beat her up until help came she wouldn't have been in trouble too. REALLY? Their answer to bullying is to stand there and take it, don't defend yourself when you're being beat up. I've watched my daughters grades fall from honor roll student to C/D student because of this bullying and there again despite my efforts, the only response I get is that my child needs tutoring, not that they need to do anything regarding the bullying.
TERRIBLE SCHOOL!!! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Open Quote The Honors Institute program at Salem Middle allows students to learn in depth and be actively engaged. I especially like that they leave middle school with 5 high school credits. It has made a hugh difference for my child. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Salem Church Middle

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1235 1235
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1299 1299
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 1360 1360
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1395 1395
1993 940 153 22 11 0 n/a n/a 0 1126
1994 904 159 11 6 0 n/a n/a 0 1080
1995 958 181 18 17 1 n/a n/a 0 1175
1996 958 181 18 17 1 n/a n/a 0 1175
1997 966 171 17 12 0 n/a n/a 0 1166
1998 925 181 9 12 1 n/a n/a 0 1128
1999 887 192 10 16 1 n/a n/a 0 1106
2000 870 198 10 20 5 n/a n/a -4 1099
2001 802 226 14 30 2 n/a n/a 0 1074
2002 835 279 29 46 5 n/a n/a 0 1194
2003 835 279 29 46 5 n/a n/a 0 1194
2004 835 289 26 47 7 n/a n/a 3 1207
2005 762 283 15 60 7 n/a n/a 2 1129
2006 588 257 13 63 3 n/a n/a 4 928
2007 568 251 17 105 1 n/a n/a 4 946
2008 533 252 15 107 3 n/a n/a 2 912
2009 472 261 12 124 3 n/a n/a 15 887
2010 448 252 11 126 4 n/a n/a 5 846
2011 441 243 16 131 0 1 25 0 857
2012 409 238 20 130 0 1 29 0 827
2013 397 250 19 128 0 1 29 0 824
2014 397 252 17 152 0 1 32 0 851
2015 374 277 21 177 0 2 40 0 891
2016 387 273 22 190 1 1 37 0 911
2017 382 286 19 198 1 0 36 0 922
2018 375 278 14 197 2 2 34 0 902
2019 361 272 13 205 4 2 41 0 898
2020 341 287 11 236 3 1 43 0 922
2021 299 297 17 243 1 0 32 0 889
2022 292 287 14 257 2 2 37 0 891
2023 254 284 13 309 3 1 46 0 910

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Salem Church Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1235 75.2 16.4 n/a
1990 1299 76.8 16.9 n/a
1991 1360 82.4 16.5 n/a
1992 1395 83.9 16.6 n/a
1993 1126 69.2 16.3 n/a
1994 1080 43.7 n/a n/a
1995 1175 n/a 0.0 10
1996 1175 n/a 0.0 10
1997 1166 n/a 0.0 10.3
1998 1128 n/a 0.0 10.5
1999 1106 84.0 13.2 16.5
2000 1099 n/a 0.0 15.3
2001 1074 86.2 12.5 21.3
2002 1194 96.2 12.4 23.8
2003 1194 96.2 12.4 23.8
2004 1207 91.2 13.2 25.7
2005 1129 89.2 12.7 27.2
2006 928 70.0 13.3 30.2
2007 946 76.3 12.4 31.4
2008 912 50.1 18.2 32.1
2009 887 51.2 17.3 34.5
2010 846 45.8 18.4 40.7
2011 857 45.4 18.8 44.2
2012 827 57.0 14.5 46.6
2013 824 57.5 14.3 45.9
2014 851 59.1 14.3 48.9
2015 891 62.0 14.3 49.3
2016 911 67.0 13.5 48.5
2017 922 68.8 13.3 50.3
2018 902 69.8 12.9 56.1
2019 898 63.7 14.0 56.9
2020 922 66.6 13.8 56.8
2021 889 68.0 13.0 n/a
2022 891 66.6 13.3 58.8
2023 910 62.0 14.6 79.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Salem Church Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1235 75.2 16.4 n/a
1990 1299 76.8 16.9 n/a
1991 1360 82.4 16.5 n/a
1992 1395 83.9 16.6 n/a
1993 1126 69.2 16.3 n/a
1994 1080 43.7 n/a n/a
1995 1175 n/a 0.0 10
1996 1175 n/a 0.0 10
1997 1166 n/a 0.0 10.3
1998 1128 n/a 0.0 10.5
1999 1106 84.0 13.2 16.5
2000 1099 n/a 0.0 15.3
2001 1074 86.2 12.5 21.3
2002 1194 96.2 12.4 23.8
2003 1194 96.2 12.4 23.8
2004 1207 91.2 13.2 25.7
2005 1129 89.2 12.7 27.2
2006 928 70.0 13.3 30.2
2007 946 76.3 12.4 31.4
2008 912 50.1 18.2 32.1
2009 887 51.2 17.3 34.5
2010 846 45.8 18.4 40.7
2011 857 45.4 18.8 44.2
2012 827 57.0 14.5 46.6
2013 824 57.5 14.3 45.9
2014 851 59.1 14.3 48.9
2015 891 62.0 14.3 49.3
2016 911 67.0 13.5 48.5
2017 922 68.8 13.3 50.3
2018 902 69.8 12.9 56.1
2019 898 63.7 14.0 56.9
2020 922 66.6 13.8 56.8
2021 889 68.0 13.0 n/a
2022 891 66.6 13.3 58.8
2023 910 62.0 14.6 79.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Salem Church Middle

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $40 (0.6%) $6,745 (99.4%) $6,785
2020 $38 (0.5%) $6,913 (99.5%) $6,951
2021 $115 (1.7%) $6,840 (98.3%) $6,955

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Salem Church Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 286th of 424 Middle schoolsRanks 400th of 422 Middle schools
 27.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Salem Church Middle)7626.9
 49.1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Chesterfield County Public Schools)8041.4
 38.6%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857.8
 20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Salem Church Middle)7848
 30.1%
   6th Grade English Reading (Chesterfield County Public Schools)7666.5
 9.5%
   6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7770.4
 6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Salem Church Middle)9867
 31%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Chesterfield County Public Schools)9682
 14%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7855
 23%
7th Grade English Reading (Salem Church Middle)7353.1
 19.9%
   7th Grade English Reading (Chesterfield County Public Schools)7964.6
 14.4%
   7th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7970.3
 8.7%
8th Grade Writing (Salem Church Middle)5833.2
 24.8%
   8th Grade Writing (Chesterfield County Public Schools)7258
 14%
   8th Grade Writing (Virginia)7055.5
 14.5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Salem Church Middle)549.7
 44.3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Chesterfield County Public Schools)7122.1
 48.9%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7748.4
 28.6%
8th Grade Science (Salem Church Middle)7730.8
 46.2%
   8th Grade Science (Chesterfield County Public Schools)8039.1
 40.9%
   8th Grade Science (Virginia)7860.7
 17.3%
8th Grade English Reading (Salem Church Middle)6950.4
 18.6%
   8th Grade English Reading (Chesterfield County Public Schools)7569.5
 5.5%
   8th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7670.7
 5.3%
End of Course Algebra I (Salem Church Middle)8075
 5%
   End of Course Algebra I (Chesterfield County Public Schools)8574
 11%
   End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)8680
 6%
End of Course Earth Science (Salem Church Middle)6093
 33%
   End of Course Earth Science (Chesterfield County Public Schools)8071
 9%
   End of Course Earth Science (Virginia)8172
 9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students898910
 1.3%
African American272284
 4.4%
American Indian43
 25%
Asian1313
Hispanic205309
 50.7%
Pacific Islander21
 50%
White361254
 29.6%
Two or More Races4146
 12.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients56.9%79.6%
 22.7%


Schools Near Salem Church Middle









Frequently Asked Questions about Salem Church Middle

Students who attend Salem Church Middle usually go on to attend Lloyd C. Bird High

In the 2022-23 school year, 910 students attended Salem Church Middle.

Salem Church Middle ranks in the bottom 3.8% of Virginia middle schools.

Students at Salem Church Middle are 34% Hispanic, 31% African American, 28% White, 5% Two or more races, 1% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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