Average
#1956 of 2,846 schools in PA
James Buchanan EL Sch
Elementary School · Bethlehem Area SD
1621 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Enrollment
262
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
262
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,956 of 2,846
In Bethlehem
#14 of 24
public schools
In district
#12 of 22
Bethlehem Area SD
School environment
8.0 / 10
Excellent
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James Buchanan EL Sch
Elementary School in Bethlehem · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Clearview EL Sch
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Academy
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About James Buchanan EL Sch
James Buchanan EL Sch is a public elementary school in Bethlehem, PA, part of Bethlehem Area SD. James Buchanan EL Sch serves approximately 262 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 13.1:1 student-teacher ratio. James Buchanan EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,956 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for James Buchanan EL Sch show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.3 · Average
- District avg 6.0
- PA avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
James Buchanan EL Sch — Students at James Buchanan EL Sch score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
64.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.5/10.
How James Buchanan EL Sch Compares
See how James Buchanan EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1621 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Buchanan EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Calypso El Sch (rated 8.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hanover El Sch (rated 7.3/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST ANNE SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bethlehem, see our Bethlehem schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clearview El Sch Bethlehem | 0.6 mi | 6.6 |
| ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX ACADEMY Bethlehem | 0.9 mi | — |
| ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX ACADEMY Bethlehem | 0.9 mi | — |
| Nitschmann MS Bethlehem | 0.9 mi | 4.6 |
| Asa Packer El Sch Bethlehem | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Calypso El Sch Bethlehem | 1.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Lehigh Valley Academy Regional CS Bethlehem | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| CENTENNIAL SCHOOL LEHIGH UNIV Bethlehem | 1.6 mi | 8.1 |
| COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY Bethlehem | 1.4 mi | 6.2 |
| A CHILD'S CHOICE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bethlehem | 1.6 mi | — |
| William Penn El Sch Bethlehem | 1.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Hanover El Sch Bethlehem | 2.1 mi | 7.3 |
| Ritter El Sch Allentown | 1.8 mi | 3.4 |
| Lincoln Leadership Academy CS Allentown | 1.8 mi | 5.9 |
| MORAVIAN ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Bethlehem | 1.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Liberty HS Bethlehem | 1.9 mi | 5.1 |
| Louis E Dieruff HS Allentown | 2.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Broughal MS Bethlehem | 2.5 mi | 3.9 |
| ST ANNE SCHOOL Bethlehem | 2.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Fountain Hill El Sch Bethlehem | 2.8 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 18017 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,946
Median Home Value
$310,600
Median Rent
$1,535/mo
Population
40,463
College Educated
39.9%
Homeownership
67.4%
Avg Commute
23.6 min
Poverty Rate
10.2%
Median Age
44.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY Wexford, PA | 5.3 |
| Coebourn El Sch Brookhaven, PA | 5.3 |
| Howe Julia Ward Sch Philadelphia, PA | 5.3 |
| Laurel Valley El Sch New Florence, PA | 5.3 |
| McMichael Morton Sch Philadelphia, PA | 5.3 |
| Penn Cambria Intrmd Sch Lilly, PA | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Buchanan EL Sch
What grades does James Buchanan EL Sch serve?
James Buchanan EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend James Buchanan EL Sch?
James Buchanan EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 262 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan EL Sch?
The student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan EL Sch is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Buchanan EL Sch rank in PA?
James Buchanan EL Sch ranks #1,956 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is James Buchanan EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?
James Buchanan EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 James Buchanan EL Sch?
Based on loaded state assessment records, James Buchanan EL Sch has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is James Buchanan EL Sch a charter school?
No, James Buchanan EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Buchanan EL Sch a Title I school?
No, James Buchanan EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Buchanan EL Sch?
64.9% of students at James 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 262
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 20
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 64.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Lehigh County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 13.7%
- Phone
- (610) 865-1766
Resources & Links
District
Bethlehem Area SD- District Enrollment
- 12,864
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,564
- District Rank
- #12 of 22
Other Schools in This District
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