A Dynamic Framework of School Choice: Effects of Middle Schools on High School Choice

Abstract

We study the dynamic relationship of school choices across educational stages. Leveraging quasi-random school assignments, we show that attending top-rated middle schools in New York City leads students to match with higher-performing high schools. A dynamic school choice model reveals that 80% of this effect stems from middle schools influencing students' high school applications rather than their admission priorities. Eliminating eligibility restrictions for top-rated middle schools increases the average quality of attended high schools while mitigating racial and income disparities. These efficiency and equity gains increase by 50% when coupled with similar high school admissions reforms.

Keywords: School choice, deferred acceptance, school value-added, dynamic models

JEL Classification: D12, D47, D63, H75, I21, I24, I28