School Choice, Student Sorting, and Academic Performance

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Munteanu, Andrei
• 署名单位: University of Quebec; University of Quebec Montreal
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01438
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: competition; education

摘要

This study examines the impact of school choice on academic achievement. I use differences in the number of schools across similar Romanian towns, generating variation in school choice for local students, who compete for seats via test scores. I find that more school choice results in increased sorting of students by admission scores across different schools. Sorting widens achievement gaps between high-and low-admission score students. High-scorers having access to better teachers and peer effects are the primary factors explaining these widening gaps. Last, between-school competition via school choice does not increase average achievement levels.