School Choice and Student Transfers

ABSTRACT This paper examines the characteristics that influence the number of transfers between school districts. Using data on 2018–19 transfers between Indiana’s 289 traditional public school districts, we examine observed transfer flows. Model results show that standardized test scores and distance between school districts have the largest impact on the number of student transfers between districts. Districts with more charter schools have more students transferring between public school districts. The number of private schools in a district has no impact on public school transfers.