Andrew Lewis Middle School | Salem

Andrew Lewis Middle School is a public middle school located in Salem, Virginia, serving students in grades 6 through 8. It operates under the Salem City Schools district and is situated at 616 South College Avenue, Salem, VA 24153. The school plays a key role in the local education system, focusing on academic achievement, extracurricular development, and community engagement for early adolescents.

Academic Profile

Andrew Lewis Middle School educates approximately 895 students, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1, which supports personalized learning and closer interaction between students and faculty. The school emphasizes foundational skills in core subjects, with reported proficiency rates around 72% in reading and 57% in mathematics, reflecting a commitment to literacy and numeracy development.

The school has received positive ratings from various education evaluators, holding a B+ rating from Niche, indicating solid academic performance, and a mid-range score from GreatSchools. These evaluations consider factors such as academic outcomes, student engagement, and overall school environment.

Leadership and Faculty

As of mid-2023, Matt Coe serves as the principal of Andrew Lewis Middle School. His leadership follows a tenure as assistant principal beginning in 2017, providing continuity and stability to the school’s administrative team. Under his guidance, the school aims to enhance student learning experiences and foster a supportive school culture that promotes growth, respect, and achievement.

The faculty includes a dedicated team of teachers and support staff committed to addressing diverse learning needs. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills among students to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Student Support and Counseling

Andrew Lewis Middle School offers comprehensive counseling services to support students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. The counseling team consists of professionals including Kayla Basham, Christy Cundiff, and Tricia Rucker, who provide guidance on academic planning, personal development, and conflict resolution. These services are designed to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence while fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics

The school promotes a balanced education that extends beyond academics through a variety of extracurricular programs:

Athletics: Andrew Lewis Middle School supports competitive and recreational sports such as football, track and field, and cross-country. These programs encourage physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit. The school hosts events like the Andrew Lewis MS Meets, where student-athletes compete and develop sportsmanship.

Music and Band: The band program, known as “The Pride of Andrew Lewis,” provides students with opportunities to learn and perform music, fostering creativity and discipline. Directed by Thomas Graham, the program engages students in concerts, parades, and community performances, enhancing the cultural life of the school.

Community and Culture

The school embraces a community-centered approach through initiatives like the “House System,” inspired by innovative educational models such as the Ron Clark Academy. This system divides students into six distinct houses, fostering a sense of belonging, healthy competition, and collaborative learning. Monthly charitable activities organized by the houses promote empathy and community service, encouraging students to contribute positively to society.

Facilities and Resources

Andrew Lewis Middle School is equipped with facilities that support modern learning and extracurricular engagement, including classrooms with technology integration, athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for arts and music. The school prioritizes creating a safe and welcoming environment, incorporating resources that cater to diverse student interests and needs.

Summary

Andrew Lewis Middle School stands as a foundational educational institution within Salem, Virginia, committed to nurturing academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement for middle school students. Through its balanced focus on rigorous academics, supportive counseling, extracurricular opportunities, and innovative cultural programs, the school prepares students to succeed in high school and beyond, while fostering values of respect, responsibility, and civic engagement.