ABSTRACT
Chubb and Moe (1990) claim that US public schools are by and large inefficient, that is, are failing in their core academic mission. This is because they are hampered by bureaucracy arising out of democratic procedures of organization and control. This is especially true of inner-city schools. It would be better if parents were given the freedom to choose which schools they wanted to send their children to. Any group or organization can set up a public school as long as it meets minimum state criteria. Such schools would have considerable powers to determine their own curriculum and form of government. A voucher system giving greater benefits to poorer parents could help to ensure an equitable system.
