School sector and school safety: a review of the evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT We examine the literature linking private and charter schooling to perceptions of student safety in United States schools. The results are generally positive for student, parent, and principal reports of school safety for the nine studies on safety in public charter schools and the eleven studies on safety in private schools. Eight of the nine studies of public charter schools, and each of the eleven studies of private schools, found positive effects on school safety relative to district-run public schools. None of the existing studies find evidence to suggest that private or charter schools reduce perceptions of school safety overall. Although more research is needed, the most rigorous evidence on this topic suggests that private and public charter schools are generally associated with higher levels of safety as reported by students, parents, and principals.