School social capital and pupils' academic performance1

It is widely acknowledged that there are important ties among pupils, parents and schools affecting children's educational outcome. Using NELS:88, a nationally representative sample of eighth graders in the United States, this study explores the role of schools in their academic performance. The study suggests that, with other things equal, school ambiance has a significant and positive effect on mathematics and reading test scores of pupils. School outreach shows a positive and significant effect on mathematics achievement as well, but not on the pupils' reading test scores. Parental involvement initiated mainly by the parents does not show a significant result.