The Achievement Gap: How Demographics, Not Teaching, Drive 'Elite' School Scores

In Weston ($2.16M, $25K/pupil), 63% of low-income students fail standards. MIT research: 84% of score variation is demographics, not instruction. 'Elite' districts select wealthier students, not teach better.

Buyers questioning whether prestige district premiums ($700K+) buy superior teaching quality.

• •Low-income students in wealthy districts perform at state poverty averages—no teaching advantage
• •Weston: 63% low-income failure despite $25K/pupil and $2.16M homes
• •MIT study: 84% of score variation from demographics, not school quality
• •Cambridge Black-white gap (43 points) as large as state average despite progressive reputation
• •Prestige premium buys richer neighbors and self-selection, not better teachers