Assuming it is true, charter kids still have concerned parents who take the time not only to research the schools, but to fill out applications. Thus, it’s unlikely that, for example, people who don’t speak English would do this, let alone even know it’s an option.

Public schools then serve even a higher percentage of kids with uninvolved parents. I think the best predictor of academic success (or lack thereof) is the level of parent involvement. The lottery system, obviously, leaves them with a lower percentage of high needs kids and us with a higher one.

I’d be very surprised if White Hat’s situation were not absolutely typical.