Rural Education
Learn more about rural schools and districts, including research and policies that affect rural schools
School & District Management
Video
‘You’ll Make New Friends’: What Happens to Students When Their School Closes
How two middle schoolers managed uncertainty as their rural school closed its doors.
School & District Management
Special Report
Big Ideas 2026: Building Bridges So Students Can Thrive
How can you create strong partnerships and manage conflict? A roadmap for education leaders.
School & District Management
Opinion
‘Our School Leaves Town Every Day’: A Story of Rural Resilience and Survival
For more than a year, this town’s only school has stood empty. The spirit of community endures.
School & District Management
Opinion
When Your District Goes Through Big Changes, Relationships Are Critical
A neighboring school closed. His district embraced a reorganization. It was a lesson in leadership.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Question That Guided This School District Through an Impossible Decision
Declining enrollment reshaped her district. This school board member has lessons for other leaders.
School & District Management
Opinion
For This School Board President, Leadership Starts With Humility
Amid a big transition, active communication helped this leader hold the community together.
School & District Management
Two Districts Pave a Road Toward a Shared Future and Survival
A rural school district was facing the urgent threat of dissolution. Its leaders found another way.
Recruitment & Retention
How to Nurture Teacher Retention in Far-Flung Rural Districts
Working conditions and community involvement can top pay for rural educators.
Early Childhood
What This Rural Head Start Program Stands to Lose With Federal Changes
The federal government just announced plans to de-regulate Head Start. Here's what this might mean.
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Fullmind's whitepaper, Learning Has No Address, argues that the teacher shortage in rural America isn't a pipeline problem — it's an acc....
English Learners
Leader To Learn From
How One Rural District Used College Students to Keep English Learners in School
This leader's mentorship program with a local university has helped rural English learners at risk of dropping out.
Education Funding
Congress Revived a Fund for Rural Schools. Their Struggles Aren't Over
Federal funds will again flow to districts with national forest land—but broader funding uncertainties remain.
States
States Consider District Consolidations as Student Enrollment Drops
Rural educators say the decision to combine school districts is a matter of local control.
School Choice & Charters
Are Charter Schools the Right Fit for Rural Communities?
Rural charter leaders face challenges growing student enrollment and providing access to services.