Salem/Keizer School District Story

The Salem-Keizer school district 24J has been around since 1855, and it is the second largest school district in Oregon. It has seen many children go through its system over the years and many great people come out of it.
The district may be larger than one might think; with over 40,000 children, 42 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, eight high schools, and four charter schools, there is a whole lot of teaching going on. According to its slogan, South has maintained a tradition of excellence since 1954. It has earned the title of “a school of excellence” [as seen on the school’s website] through hard work on the part of the student body, as well as the dedicated staff.
“I believe that South has many clubs to give students of all interests the opportunity the discover new paths in life,” Nehemia Zuniga ‘17 said. “Our school’s motto means just that, all students can be in an environment of excellence.”
South also has the much sought after and competitive International Baccalaureate program, which is a program widely recognized all over the world, and counts as a boost towards the school’s motto. Many students apply for in-district transfers to South just to be in the IB program.
North opened in 1906, and was originally called Salem High School. The named changed to North Salem High School in 1954, when South was opened. One of the oldest elementary schools in the district is Brush College, and it offered the highest level of education in the area.
“The district has a lot of diversity from what I have seen so far.” Dominic Clark ,17 said. “All the different kinds of cultures is what makes this district great in my experience. South Salem High School is not the only school that is “a school of excellence,” but rather the whole district is a district of excellence.