Missouri’s Rural Schools Can Benefit from Open Enrollment

Many believe that rural districts and students can’t benefit from open enrollment, but the reality is quite the opposite. Rural students often have few school options, and open enrollment can provide them with greater access to educational opportunities—particularly as the four-day school week expands. In states with open enrollment, rural districts have gained students, with many seeing it as a way to sustain their budgets. In Missouri, over 80% of rural high schools are within a 20-mile drive of at least one other high school, making open enrollment a viable option for many families. Instead of focusing on preventing student loss, rural districts can use open enrollment to attract students and strengthen their schools. 

Learn more about the need for Missouri to adopt strong open enrollment policies here.