Beyond the Test: Understanding How Charter Schools Impact College Outcomes

Urban charter schools increase math and ELA test scores, while nonurban ones show a decrease (Angrist et al., 2013). Nonetheless, charters in both settings enhance college attendance and graduation rates, with nonurban charters inducing notably large gains. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, this study will estimate the causal impacts of charter schools on various outcomes and investigate the underlying mechanisms behind college success in both sectors. To deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind the college impacts, we will correlate impact estimates with school characteristics and include several qualitative components, including staff interviews, site visits, and alumni interviews. This comprehensive approach seeks to elucidate how schools can improve college outcomes for students, aligning with Blueprint's focus on the long-term effects of charter schools and school practices associated with gains.