Average
#1969 of 2,842 schools in PA
James Buchanan HS
High School · Tuscarora SD
4773 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Enrollment
706
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
706
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Mercersburg
#4 of 5
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#410 of 641
In district
#5 of 6
Tuscarora SD
Equity
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About James Buchanan HS
James Buchanan High School is a rural public high school located in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of 706 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school offers a personalized learning environment. James Buchanan HS boasts 47 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to helping students succeed academically.
The school's MySchoolScout rating is 6.6 out of 10, placing it in the 66th percentile among Pennsylvania schools with a state ranking of #981 out of 2852 schools. In terms of academic performance, 70% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 58% meet proficiency standards in Math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development to ensure continued improvement.
James Buchanan High School is situated in a rural setting with easy access to outdoor activities and a close-knit community atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, James Buchanan HS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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James Buchanan HS — Students at James Buchanan HS score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 6 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: 2.3/10.
How James Buchanan HS Compares
See how James Buchanan HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 67% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 77% (2019) to 75% (2021).
Location
4773 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Buchanan HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MERCERSBURG ACADEMY (rated 7.3/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clear Spring High (rated 5.4/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Clear Spring), with a very similar rating. Additionally, McConnellsburg HS (rated 5.2/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Mcconnellsburg), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Mercersburg, see our Mercersburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| James Buchanan MS Mercersburg | 0.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Mercersburg El Sch Mercersburg | 1.9 mi | 7.8 |
| MERCERSBURG ACADEMY Mercersburg | 2.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Mountain View El Sch Mercersburg | 2.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Montgomery El Sch Mercersburg | 3.9 mi | 4.8 |
| St Thomas El Sch Saint Thomas | 7.1 mi | 6.9 |
| McConnellsburg MS Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 6.7 |
| McConnellsburg El Sch Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 6.4 |
| McConnellsburg HS Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 5.2 |
| EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 9.1 mi | — |
| Greencastle-Antrim MS Greencastle | 10.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Greencastle-Antrim SHS Greencastle | 10.6 mi | 4.3 |
| PORTICO RIVER BRETHREN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 11.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Greencastle-Antrim Primary Sch Greencastle | 10.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Greencastle-Antrim El Sch Greencastle | 10.9 mi | 5.3 |
| Clear Spring Middle Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 6.7 |
| South Hamilton El Sch Chambersburg | 10.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Clear Spring High Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Clear Spring Elementary Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Marion El Sch Chambersburg | 10.8 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17236 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$81,074
Median Home Value
$250,100
Median Rent
$986/mo
Population
8,875
College Educated
21.5%
Homeownership
79.8%
Avg Commute
31.7 min
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Median Age
41.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding James Buchanan HS has a median household income of $81,074. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $250,100, with a median rent of $986/month. The local poverty rate of 8.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ARCHBISHOP WOOD HIGH SCHOOL Warminster, PA | 5.6 |
| Annville-Cleona HS Annville, PA | 5.6 |
| Bellefonte Area HS Bellefonte, PA | 5.6 |
| Blackhawk HS Beaver Falls, PA | 5.6 |
| Eastern Lebanon Co SHS Myerstown, PA | 5.6 |
| Furness Horace HS Philadelphia, PA | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Buchanan HS
What grades does James Buchanan HS serve?
James Buchanan HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend James Buchanan HS?
James Buchanan HS has an enrollment of approximately 706 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan HS?
The student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan HS is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Buchanan HS rank in PA?
James Buchanan HS is ranked #1969 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is James Buchanan HS's MySchoolScout rating?
James Buchanan HS has a composite rating of 5.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at James Buchanan HS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Buchanan HS has 58.0% math proficiency and 69.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is James Buchanan HS a charter school?
No, James Buchanan HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Buchanan HS a Title I school?
No, James Buchanan HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Buchanan HS?
100.0% of students at James Buchanan HS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 706
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (717) 328-2146
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tuscarora SD- District Enrollment
- 2,191
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,360
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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