Do bad programs always drive out good? A case study in free-market religious education

In the discussion of privatization of public education, there is little evidence on how competition among schools affects program quality. Jewish supplementary schooling is one network in which parents have total freedom to select the school of their choice. This article examines the dynamics of competition among four such programs during a 5-year period. Some competitive strategies reduced program demands, but others reinforced quality, though that term is problematic in this setting. The least intensive, least expensive program did not undercut the other programs in the long run, but did spur innovation. Further study of the dynamics of parental choice is warranted, focusing on denominational affiliation, cost, convenience, social factors, and quality