Flight to Safety in Deindustrialized Cities: Perceptions of School Safety in Charter and Public Schools in Detroit, Michigan

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  In Roundtable Session: Safety and Discipline in School Choice Contexts

Abstract

Safety is one of the primary reasons why parents report seeking out a charter school. However, little research has examined how parents assess school safety when choosing schools. This study explores the factors that parents associate with school safety in Detroit, Michigan by conducting semi-structured interviews with parents (n = 31) and teachers (n = 23) in both charter and public schools. School behavioral climate, school building conditions, parental involvement, student body composition, and school location were key factors influencing school safety perceptions. These findings indicate that characteristics representing greater perceived school safety differ from many of the conventional safety strategies. Findings further suggest potential avenues for enhancing perceived school safety in settings where safety is a pressing concern.

Author

• Daniel Hamlin, University of Oklahoma