About one in five students in the US attends a rural school, and over half of all school districts are in rural areas. And yet very little is known about achievement, achievement gaps, and academic growth in rural schools, including how school-year and summer changes in achievement may differ in these schools. This lack of information is troubling, since rural schools and students have both unique challenges and advantages that could impact their academic outcomes, and because the federal government and states are making considerable and increasing financial investments in rural schools. The intent of this study is to provide a descriptive overview of academic achievement and growth among rural schools so educators and policymakers can better understand the potential needs of rural schools.