The top reported proficiency rate is 90% in Social studies. The lowest is 51% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Reilly Elementary School
Reilly Elementary School serves third and fourth graders in Salem, Ohio, a small city in Columbiana County with a historic industrial core and a mix of locally owned downtown businesses and older residential neighborhoods. The school sits within the Salem City district, which is currently navigating a major structural transition. In November 2023, voters approved a property tax levy to fund a new consolidated K-8 building that will bring elementary students from multiple schools together. Reilly itself is slated for demolition as part of this consolidation, meaning families should understand this school is in a period of planned change.
The school's current enrollment is modest, with roughly equal numbers of third and fourth graders. The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Hispanic, multiracial, and Asian students. The school is small enough that racial and ethnic composition data are available, though specific counts for students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or English learner status were not reported.
In mathematics, the school's proficiency rate sits above the midpoint among Columbiana County's tested schools. Students demonstrate solid competency here, with a clear majority meeting or exceeding state standards. English language arts proficiency is lower, at roughly half of students meeting standards. The math-ELA gap is real and worth noting. Among the schools tested in the county, Reilly's overall proficiency index—averaging performance across math and ELA—puts it above the county median. A social studies assessment from 2016-17 showed strong performance, though that data is older and may not reflect current conditions.
The housing market in the Salem area is relatively affordable compared to state and national benchmarks, with median home values well below the state average. This affordability extends to estimated monthly mortgage costs, making homeownership accessible relative to national norms, though the mayor has identified housing as one of the city's largest challenges. The area has experienced modest appreciation in home values year over year. The local employment picture reflects Salem's industrial and healthcare heritage, anchored by Salem Regional Medical Center, food processing, and metal manufacturing, with retail trade also substantial. The unemployment rate is moderate, and median household income is near national benchmarks.
Salem's civic life includes a historic downtown with walkable storefronts and restaurants, city parks and a greenway, and a modern community center with aquatics and fitness facilities. A state-of-the-art K-8 facility will replace the current distributed elementary schools once the levy proceeds to completion. Parents considering Reilly should be aware that this school will not operate indefinitely; the district's plan, already approved by voters, will relocate and consolidate elementary students within the next few years. For families seeking a neighborhood elementary school in a small, affordable city with a recognizable downtown and growing senior housing investment, and who understand that their time at Reilly will be temporary, the school is performing adequately in math and offers a stable, small-school environment in the short term. Those looking for long-term school stability may want to understand the consolidation timeline with the district before enrolling.
See more original research from School Decision →