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NEA Issue Explainer

Rural Schools

Schools in rural areas need reliable and sustained funding to provide students with the support, classes, activities, and technology that will ensure a well-rounded education.
farmer and students National School to Farm Network
A farmer with students.
By: National Education Association
Published: March 4, 2025
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Twenty percent of American students attend schools in rural areas. More than 7 million students are enrolled in rural school districts; an additional 2.5 million attend rural schools in districts that are not designated “rural” by the Census Bureau. 

Federal laws such as the Secure Rural Schools program and the Rural Education Achievement Program provide critical support for many of the more than 7,700 rural school districts; these programs must be sustained. 

Our nation thrives when all students, regardless of zip code, achieve and succeed. Policy makers should do more to ensure that all students in rural communities receive a well-rounded public education. 
 

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