This study, funded by the Walton Family Foundation, measures the relationship between travel time to school and students’ likelihood of transfer, attendance and test scores in Washington, D.C. In many cities, school choice policies enable students to attend schools outside the neighborhoods where they live. These policies can provide families access to schools they prefer, but students often travel farther and could potentially travel a considerable distance to school. A longer commute to school could lead to increased absenteeism or to an increased likelihood of switching schools, both of which could harm student achievement. This study, funded by the Walton Family Foundation, measures the relationship between travel time to school and students’ likelihood of transfer, attendance and test scores in Washington, D.C.
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