James Buchanan HS vs West Philadelphia HS
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in Pennsylvania, United States, 229 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
James Buchanan HS
Mercersburg · Public high · Grades 9–12
721 students
West Philadelphia HS
Philadelphia · Public high · Grades 9–12
718 students
| Measure | James Buchanan HS Mercersburg, Pennsylvania | West Philadelphia HS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 57 Top 50% | 11 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #368 of 618 | #607 of 618 |
| National rank | #6526 of 16,910 | #16508 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 721 | 718 |
| Enrollment | 721 | 718 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 97.9% | 82.6% |
| Students per teacher | 16.4 | 21.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 77% | 17% |
| Math proficiency | 67% | 12% |
| city | Mercersburg | Philadelphia |
| state | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •James Buchanan HS scores higher on the Success Index (US) (57.2 vs 11.3).
- •James Buchanan HS does better on math proficiency (67% vs 12%).
- •James Buchanan HS does better on reading proficiency (77% vs 17%).
- •West Philadelphia HS does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (82.6% vs 97.9%).
- •James Buchanan HS does better on students per teacher (16.4 vs 21.1).
- •James Buchanan HS is the larger school with 721 students compared with 718.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is James Buchanan HS better than West Philadelphia HS?
On the Success Index (US), James Buchanan HS ranks higher (57.2 vs 11.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are James Buchanan HS and West Philadelphia HS?
About 229 km in a straight line, between Mercersburg and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
Which has the better Enrollment?
James Buchanan HS: 721. West Philadelphia HS: 718. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do James Buchanan HS and West Philadelphia HS rank in Pennsylvania?
James Buchanan HS is 368th of 618 and West Philadelphia HS is 607th of 618 among high schools in Pennsylvania on the 2025 Success Index (US).