High schools should not be zoned for enrollment due to the limitations it imposes on educational equity and the potential for improved academic outcomes. Zoning restricts students to attend schools based on their residential location, which can lead to homogeneous learning environments and hinder the development of diverse perspectives and skills. Additionally, non-zoned systems can foster greater educational competition and innovation.

The primary reason high schools should not be zoned for enrollment is the lack of educational equity. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, students in non-zoned school districts tend to have better academic performance and higher graduation rates compared to those in zoned districts. This is because non-zoned systems allow for more equitable access to quality education, as students are not confined to underperforming schools in their neighborhoods. For instance, a report by the Center for Education Policy found that non-zoned districts often have a higher proportion of students from low-income families attending high-performing schools.

Furthermore, non-zoned systems encourage schools to compete for students, which can lead to increased academic rigor and innovation. When schools compete for enrollment, they are motivated to improve their facilities, offer a wider range of courses, and provide extracurricular activities to attract students. This competition can also lead to better teacher quality and more effective school management. According to a study published in the Journal of Public Economics, non-zoned districts tend to have higher teacher salaries and lower teacher turnover rates.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) supports the notion that non-zoned systems can lead to improved academic outcomes. The NCES found that students in non-zoned districts have higher average test scores in mathematics and reading compared to those in zoned districts. Additionally, non-zoned districts have lower dropout rates and higher college enrollment rates.

In conclusion, high schools should not be zoned for enrollment due to the limitations it imposes on educational equity and the potential for improved academic outcomes. Non-zoned systems can foster greater educational competition and innovation, leading to better academic performance and more equitable access to quality education.