This study explores the impact of left-behind children on their classmates’ academic performance in China. Results suggest that improving the grades of left-behind students can positively affect the academic achievement of their peers, particularly when considering factors such as gender, school rank, and class size. Additionally, enhancing test scores among peers can improve the overall quality of school life for all students. Prioritizing the academic performance of left-behind children may prove to be an effective means of promoting academic success within a classroom in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]