Serving 253 students in grades Kindergarten-5, James Buchanan Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 253 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Buchanan El Sch serves the west part of Bethlehem, PA, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 1.4 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 1.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
James Buchanan Elementary School's student population of 253 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
253 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
James Buchanan Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Buchanan Elementary School is 0.64, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1435 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 35-year historical data
Hispanic
46%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
11%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
37%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.2%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 26-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Buchanan Elementary School's ranking?
James Buchanan Elementary School is ranked #1435 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are James Buchanan Elementary School often compared to?
James Buchanan Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hanover Elementary School, Asa Packer Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend James Buchanan Elementary School?
253 students attend James Buchanan Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of James Buchanan Elementary School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 11% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Buchanan Elementary School?
James Buchanan Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does James Buchanan Elementary School offer ?
James Buchanan Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Buchanan Elementary School part of?
James Buchanan Elementary School is part of Bethlehem Area School District.
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