This study proposes a patterned explanation for the unequal educational achievement between Yi and Han students in China. Family backgrounds, school settings, educational expectations and aspirations are examined when investigating ethnic gaps in educational achievement. Evidence suggests significant impact of family backgrounds in shaping educational gaps, especially for the Han group. When intersecting with educational expectations, family backgrounds are more restrictive in Han students' formation of expectations. Comparatively, educational aspirations are less restricted by family backgrounds and are strong factors in affecting Yi students' achievement. Moreover, educational aspirations have a stronger effect on both Han and Yi students' achievement compared to educational expectations. However, school settings when intersecting with family backgrounds are significant only in Yi students' achievement. These findings contribute to international debates on the importance of family backgrounds, educational expectations and aspirations, and provide hints to better explain the persistent ethnic gaps in educational achievement in China.