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Below Average

#2189 of 2,846 schools in PA

Buchanan EL Sch

Elementary School · Chambersburg Area SD

730 E Washington St, Chambersburg, PA 17201

Enrollment

239

Student-Teacher

14.9:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,189 of 2,846

In Chambersburg

#14 of 15

public schools

In district

#15 of 17

Chambersburg Area SD

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Buchanan EL Sch

4.8/10

Elementary School in Chambersburg · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chambersburg Area Shs

5.5/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Chambersburg Area MS - South

5.6/10

0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Buchanan EL Sch

Buchanan EL Sch is a public elementary school in Chambersburg, PA, part of Chambersburg Area SD. Buchanan EL Sch serves approximately 239 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Buchanan EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,189 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Buchanan EL Sch show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • PA avg 6.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.82 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.8Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.4% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-15.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-18.5 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+3.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,924
Chronic Absenteeism14.6%

Buchanan EL Sch — Students at Buchanan EL Sch score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 43.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 51.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.3% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
21.8%
ELA
31.7%
2024
Math
36.8%
ELA
37.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.

How Buchanan EL Sch Compares

See how Buchanan EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
23th percentile in PA
Academic
5.8/10
Average
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

730 E Washington St, Chambersburg, PA 17201

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Buchanan EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Guilford Hills El Sch (rated 8.9/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is New Franklin El Sch (rated 7.4/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Falling Spring El Sch (rated 7.1/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chambersburg, see our Chambersburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Chambersburg Area SHS Chambersburg 0.3 mi 5.5
Chambersburg Area MS - South Chambersburg 0.7 mi 5.6
CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL Chambersburg 0.9 mi 6.4
Stevens El Sch Chambersburg 1.1 mi 6.3
Benjamin Chambers El Sch Chambersburg 1.3 mi 6.6
Chambersburg Area MS - North Chambersburg 1.8 mi 5.3
Falling Spring El Sch Chambersburg 1.7 mi 7.1
CUMBERLAND VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chambersburg 1.8 mi 5.9
MERAKEY EDUCATION CENTER Chambersburg 2.9 mi
Hamilton Heights El Sch Chambersburg 2.5 mi 7.1
Chambersburg Area Career Magnet Sch Chambersburg 2.9 mi 6.5
Franklin County Career and Technology Center Chambersburg 2.9 mi
New Franklin El Sch Chambersburg 3.8 mi 7.4
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CHAMBERSBURG Chambersburg 3.1 mi 6.3
GLOBAL VISION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Scotland 3.7 mi 7.6
South Hamilton El Sch Chambersburg 3.6 mi 6.7
Guilford Hills El Sch Chambersburg 3.6 mi 8.9
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Scotland 4.0 mi
CALVARY MENNONITE SCHOOL Chambersburg 4.6 mi 5.2
SHALOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Chambersburg 4.6 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17201 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,645

Median Home Value

$206,800

Median Rent

$1,109/mo

Population

27,575

College Educated

28.3%

Homeownership

48.4%

Avg Commute

19.1 min

Poverty Rate

12.4%

Median Age

41.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
George A Ferrell El Sch Picture Rocks, PA 4.8
Highlands Early Childhood Center Brackenridge, PA 4.8
Juniata Valley El Sch Alexandria, PA 4.8
Morris Robert Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.8
North Dickinson El Sch Carlisle, PA 4.8
ST RAYMOND OF PENAFORT SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Buchanan EL Sch

What grades does Buchanan EL Sch serve?

Buchanan EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Buchanan EL Sch?

Buchanan EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 239 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Buchanan EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Buchanan EL Sch is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Buchanan EL Sch rank in PA?

Buchanan EL Sch ranks #2,189 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Buchanan EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Buchanan EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Buchanan EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Buchanan EL Sch has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Buchanan EL Sch a charter school?

No, Buchanan EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Buchanan EL Sch a Title I school?

No, Buchanan EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Buchanan EL Sch?

100.0% of students at Buchanan EL Sch qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
55 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
239
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Franklin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.6%

District

Chambersburg Area SD
District Enrollment
9,301
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,924
District Rank
#15 of 17

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