Immigration and School Choice in Australia

In: The Australian economic review, Volume 45, Issue 1, p. 29-49

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between the share of immigrants in a locality and private versus public school choices of natives and immigrants in Australia. Using the 2001 Australian Census data, it finds that private school attendance among native‐born Australians is higher in localities with a higher share of immigrant populations. Immigrants' private school attendance is lower where the share of their like‐type immigrants is higher. These effects vary with the presence of a common language and ethnic background between the natives and the immigrants. Overall, the results suggest the possibility of a 'flight' from unfamiliar cultures in the Australian school system.