Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Access to high-quality public schools is a key determinant of upward mobility. School choice aims to improve both access and quality, and a growing form of choice is manifested by charter schools. Proponents of charter schools argue they facilitate innovation, create competitive pressures that improve all schools, and that they can produce large gains in student achievement. Opponents argue charter schools cream skim high-performing students, take resources away from traditional public schools, and discriminate against disadvantaged students. This paper experimentally assesses whether charter schools impede access for children that they perceive as more costly to educate.