Understanding the US Rural School and District Market
Understanding the US Rural School and District Market
With challenges both unique and familiar, public education of students in rural schools and districts presents an opportunity for education solution providers to bring innovative solutions to these markets. Many of the specific challenges faced by rural districts – staffing, enrollment, and transportation among them– were exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, by the end of Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Act funding to schools nationwide, putting many rural districts at a crucial inflection point in their ability to serve their students and communities.
This guide is intended to serve as an overview of the significant features and challenges facing rural districts in the United States, with perspectives specifically curated for education technology providers and those who seek to understand the rural schools market. Specific areas of focus include:
Rural Districts by the Numbers: Snapshots of the rural schools market based on enrollment, demographics, and recent trends
Defining Rural Districts: Since the definition of a rural district differs between federal, state, and local systems, a cohesive understanding of the features of a rural district is key.
Challenges Facing Rural Schools: Including staffing shortages, transportation costs, broadband internet access issues, and the effects of school choice initiatives on rural districts.
Reaching the Rural Market: Collaboratives, conferences, and key ideas in tailoring messaging for this specific education market.
