Rural Schools

We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

By: National Education Association

Published: December 2, 2021

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.

Secure Rural Schools Program

The Secure Rural Schools program (SRS program) was created to support communities in counties with National Forestland due to the lower tax base that in turn supports public services. Many rural public schools in these forested counties depended heavily on the SRS program to support public services and opportunities for their students.
These funds are vital not only for public schools and libraries but for other public services in rural communities, especially after wildfires, damaging storms, flooding, and other natural disasters.
More than 725 counties in 41 states and Puerto Rico receive support from this critical program.

Rural Education Achievement Program

The Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) was created to address the unique needs of rural public schools, students, and educators. REAP provides two grant programs: one that makes awards to rural local educational agencies that serve a small number of students, and another that awards grants to rural local educational agencies with high concentrations of low-income students (regardless of size).
To be eligible for this program the LEA must be recognized as rural through the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. Department of Education.

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

Support

H Res 159 Resolution to Honor Public Schools Week 2025 www.congress.gov

Introduced on February 24, 2025

This resolution recognizes the achievements of our public schools and honors the significant contributions and accomplishments of students, parents, educators, and education advocates by marking February 24-28, 2025, as Public Schools Week.
Support

HR 1383 A bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 www.congress.gov

Introduced on February 14, 2025

This bill will help provide funding for public schools, libraries, and other public services in rural areas by reauthorizing the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026, improving life for students and families.

Take Action

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education
Email Congress
Support

S 356 A bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 www.congress.gov

Introduced on February 3, 2025

This bill will help provide funding for public schools, libraries, and other public services in rural areas by reauthorizing the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026, improving life for students and families.

Take Action

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education
Email Congress

See all Rural Schools Bills in Congress

We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.

Rural Schools

Secure Rural Schools Program

Rural Education Achievement Program

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education

References

Great public schools for every student

Suggested Results

Rural Schools

Secure Rural Schools Program

Rural Education Achievement Program

Bills in Congress

H Res 159 Resolution to Honor Public Schools Week 2025 www.congress.gov

HR 1383 A bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 www.congress.gov

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education

S 356 A bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 www.congress.gov

Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-rounded Education

Letters & Testimony

VOTE NO on Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education

Oppose Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education

Senate lame-duck priorities

References

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