The Effect of After-School Classes on Private Tuition, Mental Health, and Academic Outcomes: Evidence from Korea

Using quasi-randomised data from South Korea’s high school equalisation policy area, we show that school-provided after-school classes reduce students’ time spent in private tuition and the associated household expenditure, as well as increase their likelihood of college attendance without any negative mental health impact. Though high and low income groups use a different mix of unassisted study and private tuition to substitute for after-school class, both consume less private tuition as after-school class hours increase. The findings suggest a role for after-school classes in improving the academic outcomes of students and promoting a more equitable school system without sacrificing the mental wellbeing of students.