Do Virtual Charter Schools Deliver for Some but Not Others? An Analysis of Academic Outcomes

• In Event: Student and School Personnel Outcomes in Schools of Choice

Abstract

Enrollments in virtual schools have surged nationally. Some policymakers have supported virtual schools because of their ability to extend educational options to families in rural areas where school choice is limited. In this study, we analyze data from Oklahoma (2017-2019) to compare the academic performance of virtual charter and brick-and-mortar public school students. We also examine outcomes for students who switched into a virtual charter school from a rural brick-and-mortar public school. Results indicate relatively large negative associations with achievement for students who attend virtual charter schools as well as for virtual charter school students from rural areas. Negative associations were mostly consistent for students across different models for students in grades 3 to 8 and in high school.

Authors

• Daniel Hamlin, University of Oklahoma
  Presenting Author

• Curt M. Adams, University of Oklahoma
  Non-Presenting Author

• Olajumoke Beulah Adigun, Oklahoma State University
  Non-Presenting Author