Salem High School

Salem High schools offers many programs as well as providing a culturally diverse experience. In Virginia Beach this school is the Arts Academy. We had (as parents) an overall positive experience here. The principal, and supporting staff truly want to see the kids succeed, and any high school truly is what you make of it. The teaching staff and counseling staff are a group of caring individuals. Overall our children enjoyed their experience there. They were involved in music, sports, theater, NJROTC, and student council. We will miss the many positive experiences we had there.
--Submitted by a parent

Innovative teachers who can help students have fun learning, offer strong opportunities for the arts, and still maintain high state testing scores.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am an alumni and the school environment is so rich and diverse with great students who are active in organizations and teachers who care about their students' success.

As a professor and consultant to various national education programs, I am most impressed with the Filipino American Cultural Society (FACS) of Salem High School, taught by exemplary teacher Ray Obispo. Performances by students of FACS have impressed audiences throughout the United States for well over a decade. I even took a videotape of FACS students when I lectured abroad; an international conference gathering was moved by students' original poetry, skits, acting. Most recently, I've written about FACS in a national review of curricula that promotes critical thinking and education for social justice. FACS alumni are national leaders in politics and various fields. Many have even assumed responsibility for mentoring 'the next generation.' This is education at its best. Kudos to Salem High School in VA Beach!!

I just recently graduated from Salem this June and I say that the school has gotten a lot better. There were less fights and Dr. Robertson really stepped up to being principal. When I was a freshmen & sophomore when Mr. Donahoe was principal were a lot of fights that seem to happen like every week. Also, I feel like parents need to be involve in what their children are doing. The teacher quality is okay. I know there is some teachers that care about their students but I had some teachers who didn't teach very well.
--Submitted by a former student

I had a child that attended Salem High 9th through part of her 11th grade year I moved her to another school because of safety and a lack of quality teachers and adminstators. That was in 2003.My opinion of this school since then has greatly improved. I have a junior attending now and am very pleased with the way things have changed. I believe our principal,the academy and parent involement have helped change this.The overcrowding problem has been corrected also.My daughter loves school and is involved in SCA, sports and the academy. I have recomended this school to many of my clients. L.M.
--Submitted by Linda Martin, a parent

This is my son first year in High School and I was nervous about it, but I was very impress how quickly he adapted to it. He in the NROTC program where he has grown alot as a person, he is now trying out for the football team. For me all I have is wonderful things to say about this school. He is even making honors as well. I am really happy with his school. Right now I can't think of another school I would have wanted him to go to.
--Submitted by Renee, a parent

I was very disappointed with the actions this school took when my child was failing. I would hope the new principal takes steps to ensure this situation does not repeat itself for another parent/child. Keep an eye on your child to ensure that they do not fall behind cause you cannot rely of the administration to inform you.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had three children attend Salem HS. My hope is that the new principal will correct the issues of the last one and his staff. My last child excelled as a student and at extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a parent

Salem has improved greatly since the arrival of the current principal in 2005. He is correcting the problems caused by the previous weak leadership and the results are visible and welcome. The building and grounds are clean, the attitude is better and standards are higher. If your impression of Salem is from before September 2005, you need to come see the great improvement!
--Submitted by a parent