Latino Parents’ Choice of Magnet School: How School Choice Differs Across Racial and Ethnic Boundaries

Abstract

Historically, magnet schools have served predominantly Black and Anglo populations. Consequently, little research exists on Latino parent’s engagement in school choice and their patterns of participation. Magnet schools are increasingly part of the landscape for improving school achievement for all students. Yet Latino enrollment rates in magnet schools fall short of their representation within most urban populations as well the population as a whole. This article explores the factors that influence Latino parents’ participation in magnet school choice. The findings show that Latino parents who participate in school choice come from vastly different educational backgrounds, tend to be solidly middle income, are either second-generation immigrants or are married to one; the social networks of the most educated Latino parents do not include people with access to magnet schools. This study holds policy implications for similar cities in the new Latino South that are shifting to unitary status.