An analysis of the current status of elementary, middle, and high school students’ participation in English private education in Seoul

This study investigates the current status of elementary, middle, and high school students’ participation in English private education in Seoul. Data from the 2021 Seoul Educational Longitudinal Study of Students were used, and eight variables related to English private education were selected based on survey responses from students and their parents. Five statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0: descriptive analysis, frequency analysis, correlation analysis, MANOVA, and stepwise regression analysis. The participation rate in English private education was highest among elementary (60.6%), followed by middle (56.9%) and high school students (55.7%). While satisfaction with English private education significantly decreased as the school level increased, both the cost and the time spent on English private education significantly increased with higher school levels. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that most variables related to English private education were significantly correlated with English test scores. The MANOVA results indicated that the amount of time spent on English private education differed significantly by school level. Stepwise regression analysis identified time spent on English private education as the most significant predictor of English test scores. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers aiming to reduce disparities in access to English private education.