Assessing the spatial distribution and accessibility of public and private schools in Qatar: A GIS-based analysis

Educational services are essential to the development and well-being of any city, acting as a cornerstone for individual and community advancement. The aim of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution and accessibility of public and private schools in Qatar, using various GIS tools to inform educational planning and policy. The methods employed include Kernel Density Analysis to visualize the concentration of schools, Nearest Neighbor Analysis to assess spatial patterns, Ripley's K-function to evaluate clustering across different scales, Location Quotient to determine relative school concentrations, and Buffer Analysis to examine proximity to various land uses and hazards. Additionally, Accessibility Analysis was conducted to calculate travel times and distances to schools. The results reveal significant clustering of both public and private schools in urban centers, particularly Doha, with notable disparities in school accessibility between urban and rural areas. Policy implications highlight the need for strategic placement of new schools, improvement of existing facilities, and targeted interventions in underserved regions to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students across Qatar. © 2024 The Authors