Magnet Classes and Educational Performance: Evidence from China

We investigate the effect of entering magnet classes on the educational performance of high school students in China. Using the regression discontinuity design and data from a high school in Hebei Province, we find that enrollment in a magnet class can increase students’ gross final examination score in the first semester by 0.647 standard deviations. However, we find no evidence to suggest that the positive effect of entering magnet classes is different for female students, students of different ages, or minority students.