The former Leslie Middle School was built in 1927, and South Salem was connected to it when it was constructed in 1954.

Of 466 students, 364 graduated, 69 dropped out, 1 received a modified diploma, and 32 are still in high school.

Some previous Saxon players have chosen to play at Stanford, UCLA, BYU, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and other schools.

[10] South Salem High School's top music groups, which include the symphonic choir, wind ensemble, string orchestra, symphony orchestra, and various jazz ensembles have combined for a total of 41 OSAA state championships (as of 2022), since the OSAA started sponsored music state championships starting in 1987.

The Wind Ensemble also performed in Shanghai and Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.