THE RURBAN FRINGE

Saving Rural Schools

Unlike rural school consolidation – a policy which has drawn much (and often negative) media attention – successful rural school stories are harder to come by.
Schools, particularly in rural areas, are focal points for communities, serving children, youth and families, providing public space, offering programs, hosting events, building social connections, and providing a hub for many facets [...]

Overseas Recruiting for Rural Schools

To battle declining student enrolment and loss of their small school, one New York community (in the state, not the city) has turned to recruiting international students to its rural school.
Located in a valley in the Adirondack mountain range, the community of Newcomb has a year-round population of just 450.  But by successfully recruiting overseas [...]

Unique Learning Alert: Rural High School Meets BioTech in the Classroom

In Greenville, New York, small biotech company C2 Biotechnologies has established a research lab and office at the Greenville High School campus with the support of the Greene County Industrial Development Agency and Senator James Seward.
The pilot project – called the ’Greene Commercial Centre’ – creates a hybrid “innovation centre” by joining business, educational, and community organizations [...]

Learning to Fly

Further to my post about The Impacts of Rural School Consolidation, I wanted to share some impressive solutions rural schools have developed – often in partnership – to add value for their students … and for their community-at-large.

The Royal Tyrell Museum has collaborated to deliver videoconferencing education – with a paleontology angle – to students in Canada, the United States [...]

The Impacts of Rural School Consolidation

Rural schools have always played an important role in their communities by providing both an education and fostering a community’s sense of identity.
Beyond their educational function, rural schools are used for sports.  Music and theatre.  Community events.  And are increasingly vital for the cultural and economic development of their communities.
Vibrant communities generally have schools; dying [...]