Average
#1431 of 2,842 schools in PA
James Buchanan MS
Middle School · Tuscarora SD
5191 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Enrollment
554
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
554
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Mercersburg
#3 of 5
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#248 of 514
In district
#4 of 6
Tuscarora SD
Equity
7.0 / 10
Strong
About James Buchanan MS
James Buchanan Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the rural town of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Serving students from sixth through eighth grade, James Buchanan MS has an enrollment of 554 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1 with 41 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's academic performance places it at the 38th percentile in the state of Pennsylvania, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10.
In terms of proficiency scores, 54% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while only 27% achieve proficiency in Math. Despite these numbers, the school remains committed to fostering an environment where every student can develop their skills and reach their full potential. The rural setting offers a close-knit community atmosphere that supports both academic and social growth for its students.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, James Buchanan MS 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
James Buchanan MS — Students at James Buchanan MS score 40% 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 12 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: 6.7/10.
How James Buchanan MS Compares
See how James Buchanan MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 31% (2019) to 28.8% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 52.2% (2024).
Location
5191 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Buchanan MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. McConnellsburg MS (rated 6.7/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby Mcconnellsburg), with a very similar rating. Another option is Clear Spring Middle (rated 6.7/10, 13.4 miles away, in nearby Clear Spring), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Greencastle-Antrim MS (rated 6.6/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Greencastle), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Mercersburg, see our Mercersburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| James Buchanan HS Mercersburg | 0.4 mi | 5.6 |
| MERCERSBURG ACADEMY Mercersburg | 1.7 mi | 7.3 |
| Mercersburg El Sch Mercersburg | 1.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Mountain View El Sch Mercersburg | 2.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Montgomery El Sch Mercersburg | 3.6 mi | 4.8 |
| St Thomas El Sch Saint Thomas | 7.1 mi | 6.9 |
| McConnellsburg MS Mcconnellsburg | 7.7 mi | 6.7 |
| McConnellsburg El Sch Mcconnellsburg | 7.7 mi | 6.4 |
| McConnellsburg HS Mcconnellsburg | 7.7 mi | 5.2 |
| EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 9.2 mi | — |
| Greencastle-Antrim MS Greencastle | 10.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Greencastle-Antrim SHS Greencastle | 10.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Greencastle-Antrim Primary Sch Greencastle | 10.5 mi | 4.4 |
| Greencastle-Antrim El Sch Greencastle | 10.5 mi | 5.3 |
| PORTICO RIVER BRETHREN SCHOOL Chambersburg | 11.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Clear Spring Middle Clear Spring | 13.4 mi | 6.7 |
| South Hamilton El Sch Chambersburg | 10.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Clear Spring High Clear Spring | 13.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Clear Spring Elementary Clear Spring | 13.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Marion El Sch Chambersburg | 10.5 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 MS 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 |
|---|---|
| Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon, PA | 6.4 |
| Crossroads MS Lewisberry, PA | 6.4 |
| Indian Valley MS Harleysville, PA | 6.4 |
| James S Wilson MS Erie, PA | 6.4 |
| Linton MS Pittsburgh, PA | 6.4 |
| Martin Meylin MS Lampeter, PA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Buchanan MS
What grades does James Buchanan MS serve?
James Buchanan MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend James Buchanan MS?
James Buchanan MS has an enrollment of approximately 554 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan MS?
The student-teacher ratio at James Buchanan MS is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Buchanan MS rank in PA?
James Buchanan MS is ranked #1431 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is James Buchanan MS's MySchoolScout rating?
James Buchanan MS has a composite rating of 6.4 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 MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Buchanan MS has 26.9% math proficiency and 54.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is James Buchanan MS a charter school?
No, James Buchanan MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Buchanan MS a Title I school?
No, James Buchanan MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Buchanan MS?
100.0% of students at James Buchanan MS 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
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 554
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (717) 328-5221
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tuscarora SD- District Enrollment
- 2,191
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,360
- District Rank
- #4 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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