Average
#1441 of 2,846 schools in PA
James Buchanan HS
High School · Tuscarora SD
4773 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Enrollment
706
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
706
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,441 of 2,846
In Mercersburg
#3 of 5
public schools
In district
#3 of 6
Tuscarora SD
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Excellent
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James Buchanan HS
High School in Mercersburg · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
James Buchanan MS
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mercersburg EL Sch
1.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About James Buchanan HS
James Buchanan HS is a public high school in Mercersburg, PA, part of Tuscarora SD. James Buchanan HS serves approximately 706 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. James Buchanan HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,441 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for James Buchanan HS show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- PA avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
James Buchanan HS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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James Buchanan HS — Students at James Buchanan HS score 48% 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 28 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.7/10.
How James Buchanan HS Compares
See how James Buchanan HS 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
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 slightly higher. Another option is Clear Spring High (rated 6.7/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Clear Spring), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Greencastle-Antrim SHS (rated 6.6/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Greencastle), with a very similar 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 | 5.9 |
| Mercersburg El Sch Mercersburg | 1.9 mi | 8.5 |
| MERCERSBURG ACADEMY Mercersburg | 2.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Mountain View El Sch Mercersburg | 2.2 mi | 8.5 |
| Montgomery El Sch Mercersburg | 3.9 mi | 5.0 |
| St Thomas El Sch Saint Thomas | 7.1 mi | 5.9 |
| McConnellsburg MS Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 5.0 |
| McConnellsburg El Sch Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 6.3 |
| McConnellsburg HS Mcconnellsburg | 7.3 mi | 6.5 |
| EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 9.1 mi | — |
| Greencastle-Antrim MS Greencastle | 10.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Greencastle-Antrim SHS Greencastle | 10.6 mi | 6.6 |
| PORTICO RIVER BRETHREN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 11.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Greencastle-Antrim Primary Sch Greencastle | 10.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Greencastle-Antrim El Sch Greencastle | 10.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Clear Spring Middle Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 8.3 |
| South Hamilton El Sch Chambersburg | 10.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Clear Spring High Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Clear Spring Elementary Clear Spring | 13.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Marion El Sch Chambersburg | 10.8 mi | 7.7 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chartiers Valley HS Bridgeville, PA | 6.4 |
| Conemaugh Twp Area MS/SHS Davidsville, PA | 6.4 |
| Conrad Weiser HS Robesonia, PA | 6.4 |
| Lake-Lehman JSHS Lehman, PA | 6.4 |
| Wyalusing Valley JSHS Wyalusing, PA | 6.4 |
| Chambersburg Area Career Magnet Sch Chambersburg, PA | 6.5 |
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 ranks #1,441 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is James Buchanan HS's MySchoolScout rating?
James Buchanan HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 HS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, James Buchanan HS has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 22.5%
- Phone
- (717) 328-2146
- 4-Year Graduation
- 82.0%
Resources & Links
District
Tuscarora SD- District Enrollment
- 2,191
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,360
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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