Abstract

Building a high-quality after-school service system is of great significance for improving the public education service system, promoting the healthy growth of students, and addressing livelihood issues. This is specifically reflected in sharing educational resources, enhancing educational equity and quality; catering to students’ diverse needs to create room for personalized growth; alleviating the burden on students’ families, and boosting their sense of happiness and satisfaction. Shaped by both market dynamics and government guidance, after-school services have ultimately been implemented as a quasi-public good. Based on a clear definition of its attributes, China’s after-school services must uphold the principles of inclusivity, voluntariness, and quality assurance to meet the demands of all parties and ensure their orderly and effective implementation.

Keywords: After-school services, Public education service system, High-quality education, Burden reduction, 3:30 PM dilemma