Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by middle-class families, particularly those migrating from Beijing to Tianjin, in securing quality education for their children amidst rising competition and resource scarcity in the education sector [1][6][26]. Group 1: Education Resource Competition - Middle-class families are fiercely competing for educational resources, with many viewing Tianjin as a potential "backdoor" to better educational opportunities due to its proximity to Beijing and lower admission scores [2][3]. - The perceived educational advantages of Tianjin are often idealized, masking the reality of a competitive landscape where educational resources are still concentrated in a few key areas [4][7]. - The "Matthew Effect" in education is evident in Tianjin, where quality education is heavily concentrated in the "Heping District," leading to significant disparities in educational outcomes across different districts [9][10]. Group 2: Housing Market and Educational Access - The price of school district housing in Tianjin has escalated, with average prices in Heping District nearing 60,000 yuan per square meter, making it a significant financial burden for families [14][12]. - The requirement for purchasing school district housing has transformed it into an investment rather than a living space, with families often needing to spend millions to secure access to quality education [13][12]. - Policies such as "multi-school zoning" and "single-school zoning" further complicate access to quality schools, with families needing to meet stringent criteria to enroll their children [11][16]. Group 3: Socioeconomic Factors - The average salary in Tianjin is significantly lower than in Beijing, with the average annual salary for non-private sector employees at 142,000 yuan, which poses a challenge for families seeking to invest in education [20][18]. - The educational landscape in Tianjin reflects broader socioeconomic structures, where families with stable incomes and connections in the public sector have an advantage in accessing quality education [21][22]. - The article highlights the pressure on middle-class families, who may lack the social capital and resources available to their peers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and competition [24][25].