James Buchanan High School

4773 Fort Loudon Rd
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 706 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 bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21-39% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). 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 15:1 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 39% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 706 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 9%
  • : 85-89% (Btm 50% in PA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 21-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

School Overview

James Buchanan High School's student population of 706 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
706 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers

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 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (PA)
#1797 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
21-39%
36%
50-54%
55%
45-49%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
3%
15%
Black
1%
14%
White
91%
61%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.17
85-89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
2%
1%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James Buchanan High School's ranking?
James Buchanan High School is ranked #1797 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 Greencastle-antrim Sr. High School, Chambersburg Area Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% 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 85-89%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend James Buchanan High School?
706 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 15:1, 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   11/19/2018
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....
- Posted by Parent - Liz

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 706 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 9%
  • : 85-89% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 21-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

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