The Relative Efficiency of Private and Public Schools: The Case of Thailand

Abstract

Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration in the policy debate on the appropriate role of private schools in predominantly public school systems. This article analyzes the relative performance of public and private schools in Thailand in enhancing eighth grade student scores in standardized mathematics tests, given student background and school characteristics. Its main conclusion is that private schools are, on average, more effective and less costly than public schools in improving student performance in mathematics.