Learn About Salem City Public Schools

An Exclusive Interview with Salem City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Curtis Hicks

Salem City Schools serves just over 3,500 students across four neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, small enough that kids are truly known, large enough to offer real opportunity. RoanokeFamily recently caught up with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Hicks, starting his 20th year in Salem and 6th as superintendent, to learn about what's ahead this year, his advice for parents, and what makes Salem City Schools stand out.

Salem City Public Schools Goals

Dr. Hicks, what are your long-term goals for Salem City Public Schools?

In my experience, parents consistently want four things from their schools. First, they want their children to enjoy coming to school each day and to feel connected to their teachers and classmates. Second, they want to know their children are learning in a safe, secure, and orderly environment. Third, they want clear, timely communication from their schools. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they want their children to receive an outstanding education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and life.

Those priorities align closely with our mission in Salem City Schools. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where every student is challenged to achieve at high levels academically while developing the character, work ethic, and resilience needed to succeed beyond graduation.

Salem has a long tradition of excellence, and our goal is not simply to maintain that reputation, we want to continue raising the bar. From our preschool programs that prepare our youngest learners for kindergarten to rigorous Advanced Placement, dual-enrollment, and career and technical education courses, award-winning fine arts, championship athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities, we want Salem City Schools to be recognized as one of the premier school divisions in Virginia.

What Are You Most Excited About for the 2026–2027 School Year?

This year, we are taking another important step in strengthening teaching and learning by continuing to build a Professional Learning Community throughout our division.

At its core, a Professional Learning Community is a commitment that every educator shares responsibility for every student's success. Rather than working in isolation, teachers collaborate regularly to answer four essential questions: What do we want students to learn? How will we know they have learned it? What will we do when students need additional support? How will we extend learning for students who are already mastering the content?

This collaborative approach ensures that instructional decisions are driven by student learning and allows us to provide timely support and enrichment. I'm excited because it builds on the outstanding work already happening in our classrooms while helping us become even more intentional about meeting the needs of every learner.

New Programs and Initiatives

Are there any new programs or initiatives launching in Salem City Public Schools this year?

One initiative that will make an immediate difference for families is the implementation of ParentSquare, our new unified communication platform.

In the past, families often received information through multiple apps and communication systems depending on whether the message came from a teacher, coach, club sponsor, or school office. ParentSquare brings all of those communications together in one place, making it much easier for parents to stay informed. Families will receive classroom updates, school announcements, athletic information, permission forms, attendance notifications, and other important communications through a single platform.

We are also beginning implementation of new high-quality mathematics instructional materials supported through a recently awarded Virginia Mathematics Innovation Grant. This investment provides updated curriculum resources and professional learning for teachers, helping ensure our students receive engaging, research-based mathematics instruction.

What Makes Salem City Public Schools a Great Place to Learn and Grow?

One of Salem's greatest strengths is our size. With just over 3,500 students, we're large enough to offer exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities while remaining small enough that students are truly known by their teachers, administrators, and coaches.

Our four neighborhood elementary schools provide welcoming environments where families quickly become part of the school community. Students are seen, heard, and supported from the very beginning of their educational journey.

As students move to Andrew Lewis Middle School and then Salem High School, they continue growing together as one class, building lifelong relationships and a strong sense of school and community pride. That single middle school and single high school model creates a unified culture where everyone, from teachers and administrators to parents and community members, works toward the same goal: helping every student succeed.

Perhaps most importantly, Salem is a community that genuinely values education. Our parents, School Board, City Council, local businesses, and community organizations work together to support our schools. That partnership creates opportunities for students that extend far beyond the classroom.

Student Performance and Standards of Learning Trends

How are Salem City Public Schools students performing on the Virginia SOLs, and what trends are you seeing?

Our students continue to perform exceptionally well. Based on our most recent state assessment results, Salem City Schools ranks among the top-performing school divisions in Virginia. During the 2024–2025 school year, Salem High School and South Salem Elementary earned Distinguished performance ratings under Virginia's School Performance Framework, while every other school was designated "On Track."

While we're certainly proud of those accomplishments, we believe success is measured by much more than test scores. We want students to graduate with strong academic skills, meaningful relationships, leadership experiences, and the confidence to pursue whatever path they choose after high school.

Advice for Salem City Families of New Students

What advice do you have for families whose children are starting school for the first time?

The most important thing parents can do is create a positive attitude about school at home. Children naturally take cues from the adults around them. When parents speak positively about school, teachers, and learning, children are much more likely to approach school with excitement and confidence.

I also encourage parents to become active partners with their child's teacher. Communication is essential, and everyone involved shares the same goal: helping each child thrive. Ask questions, stay engaged, celebrate successes, and work together through challenges.

Finally, remember that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Reading together, talking about your child's day, supporting good attendance, and establishing consistent routines all have a tremendous impact on student success.

Getting to Know Dr. Hicks

What early memories from your own school days have shaped your approach to education?

When I think back on my own education, I don't remember many individual lessons or assignments. What I remember are the teachers and coaches who invested in me as a person.

They challenged me to work hard, believed in me even when I doubted myself, celebrated my successes, and helped me learn from my mistakes. They built relationships first, and those relationships made all the difference.

That experience continues to shape my philosophy as an educator and superintendent. Every child deserves adults who know them, care about them, and are committed to helping them reach their full potential. Our responsibility is not simply to educate students academically but to encourage, inspire, and prepare them for successful and meaningful lives.

If every student leaves Salem City Schools knowing that this community is here for them and cares deeply about their success, we'll have accomplished something truly important.

The 2026-2027 Salem City School Schedule

Where to Go Next

Learn more about Salem City Public Schools at salem.k12.va.us. Read more education stories in the Education section of our site, and check out our guide to Roanoke's best private schools.

RoanokeFamily has been covering family life in the Roanoke Valley since 2012, first in print as Growing Up In the Valley and now as RoanokeFamily. From Salem to Vinton to Botetourt County, we're here to help you find what your family needs: a preschool with openings in our Roanoke Valley schools and education guide, a pediatrician in our family health resources, a weekend plan from our Family Fun calendar, or a new project from Home & Garden. Planning ahead for summer? Our sister site lists day and overnight camps across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia. And if you're new in town, start with our guide to moving to Roanoke. Know a spot we should cover? Tell us. That's usually how the next article starts.