Serving 721 students in grades 9-12, James Buchanan High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 721 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Buchanan High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Mercersburg, PA, covering approximately 206.7 square miles. The area typically allows for a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 8.2 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 13.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Buchanan High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
James Buchanan High School's student population of 721 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
721 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
James Buchanan High 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 High School is 0.17, which is less 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
#1485 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
91%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.1%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
2%
1%
Showing 2013–2022. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Buchanan High School's ranking?
James Buchanan High School is ranked #1485 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are James Buchanan High School often compared to?
James Buchanan High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Chambersburg Area Sr. High School, Greencastle-antrim Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of James Buchanan High School?
The graduation rate of James Buchanan High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend James Buchanan High School?
721 students attend James Buchanan High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of James Buchanan High School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Buchanan High School?
James Buchanan High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does James Buchanan High School offer ?
James Buchanan High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James Buchanan High School part of?
James Buchanan High School is part of Tuscarora School District.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
This school had lied on many things including the amount of bulling that goes on here. Unless your child is into sports ....they will struggle, they will be bullied...something that has happend time and time again, that had been reported time and time again yet does not get reported by the school district itself, which is why the #s ...do not tell the truth of This school....
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