Serving 535 students in grades 6-8, James Buchanan Middle 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 31% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to 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: 6-8
- Enrollment: 535 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James Buchanan MS serves an attendance zone that covers the entire school district of Mercersburg, PA, encompassing approximately 206.7 square miles. The zone typically requires a 15-20 minute drive to reach the school, with an average distance of 8.2 miles from the school to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 13.4 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
James Buchanan Middle School's student population of 535 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
535 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
James Buchanan Middle 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 Middle 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
#1637 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
4%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
14%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
91%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.7%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
3%
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 Middle School's ranking?
James Buchanan Middle School is ranked #1637 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend James Buchanan Middle School?
535 students attend James Buchanan Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of James Buchanan Middle School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Buchanan Middle School?
James Buchanan Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does James Buchanan Middle School offer ?
James Buchanan Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James Buchanan Middle School part of?
James Buchanan Middle School is part of Tuscarora School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
i am an eighth grader at James Buchanan Middle school and I believe it is the best school around! They offer many extracurricular activites and we have a wonderful arts program. Our principal and assistant principal both greatly love their jobs and support us students like we are their own children. If your looking for a great public school in the Tuscarora District I HIGHLY recommend JBMS! JBMS proud!
5 10/10/2025
i highly recommend this school because the teachers are amazing and the programs are outstunding and they cool and they work one on one with you
5 10/10/2025
My daughter is in 6th grade and is enjoying her classes and teachers
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