Salem High strives to cultivate an environment and instill values that provide students the firm foundation they need to succeed in college and "as citizens of the local and global community." In addition to traditional English, math, science and social studies courses, the school offers bilingual courses as well as classes in foreign language, business and technology, and fine, applied and performing arts. Instruction in television production, family and consumer sciences, vocational training programs and Junior ROTC are also available.

The extracurricular activities and clubs at Salem are extensive and include the following: athletics, Art Club, Business Professionals of America, cheerleading, College Bowl, color guard, Drama Club, Embrace (gay/straight alliance), French Club, Future Teachers of America, German-American Exchange, girls' football, Harvard Model Congress, jazz band, La Union Latina, literary magazine, marching band, math team, mock trial, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Organization of American States, percussion ensemble,  Physics Club, Photography Club, Project 540 (a student governmental organization), ROCS (community service), science team, senior show, ski team, Skills USA, string orchestra, Spanish Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Witches' Brew (the school newspaper) and yearbook.