Aspiration Quote by Bob Frank
“Virtually all families in the middle of the earnings distribution aspire to send their children to a school of at least average quality. (We'd think ill of any parent whose aspirations were lower.) The rub is that the best schools tend to be located in more expensive neighborhoods.”
About This Quote
Families aim for average‑quality schools, but top schools cluster in wealthier areas, creating inequity.
In simple terms: Parents want decent schools; good schools are in rich neighborhoods.
Key Takeaway
Advocate policies that equalize school quality across districts.
Themes
education
inequality
housing
aspirations
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
analytical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- school choice
- urban planning
- housing policy
- parental decision‑making
Key Concepts
social mobility
resource allocation
segregation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we decouple school quality from neighborhood wealth?
- What policies best promote equitable education?
A Different Perspective
Wealth‑based school placement can reinforce socioeconomic gaps.
![“One of the great crimes of the Bloomberg/Klein administration [in New York City] is that they've removed themselves from communities, as if communities have nothing to say about what their needs and aspirations are for themselves and for their children.” quote by Bill Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfb/bill-ayers-1848_administration_one-of-the-great-crimes-of-the-bloomberg_36172.jpg)
