EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 24 MIN
The Uneven Promise of School Choice: Who Applies vs. Who Benefits
from The Pie: An Economics Podcast · host Becker Friedman Institute at UChicago
When public school districts offer options like magnet schools and dual-language programs, families who are richer, whiter, and higher-achieving are more likely to opt in. Meanwhile, students who would benefit most are least likely to apply. In this episode, Chicago Booth economist Chris Campos explains why the participation architecture of school choice matters as much as the quality of the schools themselves, and why information campaigns alone aren't enough to close the gap.
What this episode covers
When public school districts offer options like magnet schools and dual-language programs, families who are richer, whiter, and higher-achieving are more likely to opt in. Meanwhile, students who would benefit most are least likely to apply. In this episode, Chicago Booth economist Chris Campos explains why the participation architecture of school choice matters as much as the quality of the schools themselves, and why information campaigns alone aren't enough to close the gap.
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The Uneven Promise of School Choice: Who Applies vs. Who Benefits
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