Segregation in American schools is not just a relic of the past, it’s happening right now, often in ways less visible than racial separation decades ago. In their article “The segregation of students by income in public schools,” Dalane and Marcotte (2022) show how socioeconomic status (SES) now drives who gets access to quality education.
This issue isn’t abstract. It affects real families, real children, and their futures.
Why Segregation in American Schools Still Matters Today
When my cousin Maria, who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Texas, applied to a magnet program across town, she was rejected, not because of her grades, but because transportation and funding barriers kept her stuck in her under-resourced school. Stories like hers are repeated across the U.S.
And the data backs this up:
- Schools with high poverty rates spend 15% less per student compared to wealthier schools in the same state (U.S. Department of Education, 2022).
- Two-thirds of Black and Latino students attend schools where more than half the population is low-income (Brookings, 2021).
- Students in wealthier districts score, on average, two grade levels higher than their peers in underfunded schools (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2020).
Clearly, segregation in American schools is both systemic and measurable.
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Between-School Segregation: How District Lines Divide Opportunity
Dalane and Marcotte (2022) argue that district boundaries act like invisible fences, separating wealthier students from poorer ones.
For example:
- Districts funded by higher property taxes enjoy better teacher salaries, newer technology, and smaller class sizes.
- Poorer districts often face outdated textbooks, fewer extracurriculars, and higher teacher turnover.
A 2021 report by EdBuild found that majority-white districts receive $23 billion more in funding than majority-nonwhite districts, despite serving the same number of students.
This means that simply moving across a zip code can decide whether a child thrives or struggles in school.
For another perspective on how inequality affects well-being, check out our article on The Truth About Physical Exercise and Hypertension.
Within-School Segregation: Classroom Placement and Bias
Even when students attend the same school, they don’t always share the same classrooms or opportunities.
Dalane and Marcotte (2022) point out two drivers:
- Parental involvement – Wealthier parents often lobby for advanced programs or gifted tracks.
- Administrative bias – Teachers may (often unconsciously) assign students to classes based on perceived family support.
A personal story: In my high school, students whose parents frequently attended PTA meetings ended up in AP classes, even if their test scores were similar to others. Those from less-involved families, mostly lower-income and immigrant, were funneled into “standard” tracks. The result? Different futures, set by adults rather than ability.
Causes of Segregation: Why It Keeps Growing
Dalane and Marcotte (2022) identify two main causes of segregation within schools:
- Student composition – schools with a majority of wealthy or poor students experience less internal segregation but deepen between-school divides.
- Assignment practices – random classroom placement, ignoring SES or race, reduces segregation.
Interestingly, some charter and magnet schools are experimenting with lottery-based admissions to reduce bias. However, this solution is far from universal.
Policy and Educational Implications
Segregation in American schools sends a clear message: systemic inequity needs systemic solutions.
Policymakers and educators can:
- Reform funding structures to equalize resources across districts.
- Encourage randomized class assignments to minimize within-school segregation.
- Provide transportation support so low-income students can access better schools.
For educators, small steps – like mixed-ability classrooms and equitable extracurricular access- can make an immediate difference.
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FAQs About Segregation in American Schools
1. What is segregation in American schools today?
Segregation now often reflects income differences rather than explicit race-based laws. Students from wealthier families cluster in better-funded schools, while low-income students face underfunded systems.
2. How does socioeconomic status affect education quality?
Low-income schools tend to have fewer resources, larger class sizes, and lower test scores, limiting opportunities for their students.
3. Can within-school segregation be prevented?
Yes. Random classroom assignments and equitable program placements can reduce internal divisions.
4. What role can parents play?
Parents can advocate for inclusive school policies, push for transparency in student placements, and engage with school boards to demand fair funding.
Final Thoughts
Dalane and Marcotte (2022) highlight how socioeconomic segregation in American schools widens the achievement gap and locks opportunities behind invisible barriers. From funding inequities to classroom assignments, both between- and within-school segregation rob children of their potential.
The takeaway? Equal opportunity requires more than slogans; it requires bold policy reform and community commitment.
And for students navigating these inequalities today, support is within reach. With the right academic help, every learner can break through barriers and succeed.
