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Public School
Tuscarora School District

James Buchanan High School

  • B-
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Mercersburg, PA
  • 193 reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B-
  2. Diversity
    C+
  3. Teachers
    B-
  4. College Prep
    C+
  5. Clubs & Activities
    B
  6. Health & Safety
    A
  7. Administration
    B+
  8. Sports
    B
  9. Food
    A-
  10. Resources & Facilities
    B
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James Buchanan High School is a public school located in Mercersburg, PA. It has 795 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. According to state test scores, 65% of students are at least proficient in math and 79% in reading.
Address
4773 Fort Loudon Rd
Mercersburg, PA 17236
Telephone
(717) 328-2146
Website
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James Buchanan High School Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
79%
Percent Proficient - Math
65%
Average Graduation Rate
92%
Average SAT
1100
121 responses
Average ACT
26
13 responses
AP Enrollment
16%
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Living in the Area
C
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Cost of Living
    B+
  2. Good for Families
    C+
  3. Housing
    C+
Area Feel
Rural
Median Household Income
$56,580
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$630
National
$949
Median Home Value
$159,800
National
$184,700

Culture & Safety

Health & Safety
A
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
100%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.17 responses
Poll
88%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.17 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 49 responses
Report
  • Senior Decision Day
    20%
  • Homecoming
    18%
  • Football Games
    14%
  • JB Jamboree
    12%
  • Sporting events
    12%
  • Prom
    10%
  • Powderpuff
    6%

Students

Diversity
C+
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
795
Free or Reduced Lunch
30%
63%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.19 responses
79%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.19 responses
74%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.19 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$68,033
Teachers in First/Second Year
8.7%
86%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.29 responses
93%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.29 responses
86%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.29 responses

Clubs & Activities

Clubs & Activities
B
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average
Expenses Per Student
$13,505/ year
National
$12,239
81%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.31 responses
48%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.31 responses
58%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.31 responses
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James Buchanan High School Reviews

193 reviews
All Categories
James Buchanan High School (JB) has given me a great overall high school experience. Even though JB is a small rural school there are many positive experiences offered. There is an amazing teaching staff that knows every student by name. The student and faculty relationships are close allowing students to reach their full learning potentials. The relationships between the students and counselors allow staff to accurately prepare students for their lives after high school. There are many academic opportunities including optional advanced placement and college classes. Everyone student is free to express themselves throughout a variety of clubs and activities. JB's high school community is strong, caring, and tight knit. Personally, the only thing I would change would have to be the competitiveness of athletics within the surrounding area. I would recommend JB to anyone looking for a strong education that will prepare them for life after high school.
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The teachers are absolutely phenomenal—especially the guidance counselors and college adviser. They will help you with anything, whether it be for planning your future, issues in the present, or dealing with the past; every single teacher is there for every single student. However, school-wide issues are very rarely dealt with in beneficial manners. Some students are very hateful towards others on a daily basis, yet the school has made a habit of letting the issues fly under the radar. As well as this, there have been common issues that students have with certain members of the faculty that have never been dealt with in a disciplinary manner, but rather the student has been told to adjust their behavior instead. However, other than that, JBHS is a great school to attend.
James Buchanan is a school with about 200 in the graduating class, a close-knit community, and where everyone knows who you are. Being in the middle of nowhere, the school does a great job of offering activities and clubs for students to participate in. Being asked to join yearbook in my sophomore year, I was promoted to be the first ever junior editor. Being a senior, looking back now I wouldn't trade it for the world. The faculty are different from any other. The superintendent actually makes it a point to visit the school to see the students. Resources such as morning tutoring sessions in the library and teachers are willing to help. Each student at James Buchanan has a computer that they can take home and use throughout the day. With the world evolving as much as it is, I think our school has done a good job of preparing us for the future. Feeling safe and welcomed in a place where you spend most of the days is worth everything.