Rural Education
Learn more about rural schools and districts, including research and policies that affect rural schools
Education Funding
A 'Tsunami' of Uncertainty Is Crashing Into Federal Funding for Schools
The Trump administration has cut grants, terminated contracts, delayed funding estimates, and cut off communications to districts.
Families & the Community
The Low-Cost, Low-Lift Way These Districts Used to Reduce Student Absences
Dozens of districts tested this strategy as one component of their absenteeism-fighting strategy.
Student Well-Being
Video
How a School Has Changed Its Menu After Losing USDA Funds for Local Food
The loss of a USDA local food grant has forced menu changes at this rural Tennessee school district, and local farmers have lost business.
School & District Management
Opinion
'We Get to Be a Kayak': Why This Superintendent Isn't Panicking Over Politics
A small, rural district is ready to prove the relevance of its schools to parents and policymakers.
Federal
Civil Rights, Research, and More: What’s Hit Hardest by Massive Ed. Dept. Cuts
An analysis of the Trump administration's cuts to the agency shows its civil rights enforcement and research arms are hit particularly hard.
Education Funding
Rural Schools Are Set to Lose Key Federal Funds—Unless Congress Acts Fast
Thousands of districts near national forest land could lose money as the Secure Rural Schools Act expires.
Recruitment & Retention
Schools Have Their Work Cut Out to Get STEM Teachers. Here's How to Do It
Schools can be creative about using current staff and partnerships with businesses to provide STEM learning.
Education Funding
A Funding Lifeline for Rural Schools Is at Risk, and Not for the First Time
Rural schools near national forests rely on dedicated federal funds. But so far, lawmakers haven't renewed them.
School & District Management
Rural Schools Are Fighting for Their Existence. What the Future Could Look Like
Rural schools have long been contending with enrollment declines that are still relatively new to districts in more populated areas.
Recruitment & Retention
Letter to the Editor
Teacher Housing Is a Critical Need in Native Communities
We can't forget about Indian lands school districts when talking about teacher housing, says this letter to the editor.
School & District Management
The State of Rural Schools, in Charts: Funding, Graduation Rates, Performance, and More
Rural schools receive less funding on average from states, but they still deal with the mental health and academic crises facing all schools.
School & District Management
Report Outlines the Distinct Challenges Facing Rural Schools
They enroll more students than the 100 largest districts combined, but rural schools have higher operating costs and lower teacher pay.
Student Well-Being
Rural Districts Get Creative Amid a Spike in Students’ Mental Health Needs
Rural districts don't have the same resources as more urban districts to scale up mental health services despite similar levels of need.
Student Well-Being
In This District, Students Are Part of the Mental Health Response
Lack of transportation, unreliable internet and other barriers can sometimes make it hard to find mental health care in rural settings.