National Rural Education Association

Join Us for the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education

NFARE is the nation’s premier event dedicated to elevating rural voices and advancing opportunity across rural communities.

NREA Partners with Apollo Health Insurance to Provide Healthcare Benefit Strategies Tailored for Rural School Districts

This partnership expands resources available to rural school districts through innovative healthcare benefit strategies, employee education, and year-round support. 

NREA Partners with National Grange to Expand Collaboration Across Rural America

This collaboration brings together two organizations that have spent more than a century in service to rural America.

NREA Partners with with Thinkering Collective to Highlight and Empower Rural Educators

Helping educators transform their own ideas into meaningful, community-driven solutions.

Welcome to the National Rural Education Association.

The voice of all rural schools and communities across the United States.

NREA helps rural educators by finding and helping them use the resources needed to educate today’s students. Whether that’s a rundown on current legislation and how it affects rural communities or guidance on how to meet specific educational needs within your community, our national organization can help. We also help in the publication of your research because we believe in the value of shared knowledge. We are your advocates—your voice—in education.

Our Vision:
The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.

Our Mission:
As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community.

NREA's Impact by the Numbers

9.7 million

students enrolled in rural schools

1000+

members in 50 states and 5 countries

42

NREA State Affiliates

240

university/college members

Get Involved Today!

Join as an individual or with your organization.

The NREA provides frequent opportunities for rural educators to communicate with each other through its journals and newsletters, regional and national meetings, and conventions. Through our national and international network, our members share common concerns, issues, and current practices in rural education—a valuable and worthwhile benefit linking you to numerous state, regional, and national entities working on a day-to-day basis for the interests of rural and small schools.

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