Preference heterogeneity and school segregation

• Students from different ethnic (income) groups have heterogeneous school preferences. Heterogeneous preferences are an important determinant of segregation. Ability tracking is another main determinant. Quotas reduce segregration but leave demanded seats empty. This paper examines heterogeneity between and social quantifies the importance this for We use rich data secondary-school match in Amsterdam. Our key findings that schools substantial 40% segregation by ethnicity close to 25% household income, can be attributed it. other Results policy simulations indicate minority quotas within ability tracks considerably, comes at cost many students receiving less-preferred assignments a higher share unassigned students.