Salem School has a long history in Inver Grove Heights. The first Salem School was built in 1861, and served children of the district until 1953. The current Salem Hills Elementary School was built following a referendum in January of 1952. Three phases of building additions in 1987–1989 made Salem Hills the school it is today, providing a positive learning environment for approximately 390 students in grades K-5.

Salem Hills is also the district center for the Early Education Program for special-needs preschool children and houses several Community Education programs, including Community Preschool, Kids' Choice School-Age Care and after school activities. Salem Hills offers all-day kindergarten as an option for parents.

Salem Hills is also the home of Atheneum, the newest addition to the district's program of gifted services. It was created and implemented in the 2002-2003 school year as a result of a program evaluation and the identification of a large number of highly-gifted individuals residing in and around Inver Grove Heights. This educational opportunity expanded in the 2003-2004 school year to include classes for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders. In 2006, the Atheneum program expanded once again, to include qualifying second grade students.