Does private school make a difference? Evidence from autonomous private high school policy in Korea

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of attending autonomous private high schools in Korea on educational outcomes such as achievement test scores and satisfaction levels of students. Using birth order of students as an instrumental variable for their school choice, it finds some evidence showing that autonomous private high schools are more effective in providing greater levels of student satisfaction than regular high schools. However, it finds little evidence of an effect on achievement test scores. © Korea Development Institute and East-West Center 2021.