A Comparative Study of School District Systems in China and the United States: An Analysis Based on School Choice in the Elementary Education Stage

Abstract

With the rise of globalization, evaluating and improving education systems have become pivotal for individual and national development. As major world economies, China and the United States have undertaken distinct approaches to education. Within these systems, school district policies and structures form the foundation for educational administration and school operations. This paper provides a comparative analysis of school district systems in China and the United States, emphasizing their relationship with school choice policies during elementary education. It examines key aspects including policy content, historical origins, and management structures. According to the analysis, it found that Chinas system prioritizes geographic proximity and centralized oversight to ensure equitable access. In contrast, the decentralized United States model grants parents more school choice options within and across districts. While Chinas standardized approach promotes fairness, the United States demonstrates that moderately expanding school choice and localized governance can foster competition, innovation, and responsiveness to diverse needs. As China continues reforming its school district system, lessons from the United States highlight potentials for increasing choices and autonomy while upholding equity guardrails. Synthesizing ideas from both nations could help China enhance elementary education quality and fairness.