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James Buchanan Middle School

5191 Fort Loudon Rd
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 554 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 25% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). 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 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 554 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 8%
  • : Bottom 50% in PA
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 57% (Top 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

James Buchanan Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

James Buchanan Middle School's student population of 554 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
554 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers

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 0.15, 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)
#1730 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
25%
36%
57%
55%
60-64%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
3%
15%
Black
1%
14%
White
92%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.15
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
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 Middle School's ranking?
James Buchanan Middle School is ranked #1730 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?
25% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% 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?
554 students attend James Buchanan Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of James Buchanan Middle School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 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   11/15/2012
My daughter is in 6th grade and is enjoying her classes and teachers
- Posted by Parent - wbeam
5   8/17/2011
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
- Posted by Student/Alumni - rummy
5   11/29/2010
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!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - klahf

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 554 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 8%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 57% (Top 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

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