Environment, centers and community of rural schools of the north (Cantabria) and south (Huelva) of Spain

Rural schools in Spain constitute a reality as wide and multiform as invisible and complex; however, we do not have comparative studies between regions that show the different realities that exist under the term "rural school" in our country. Therefore, in this paper we ask ourselves the similarities and differences that exist between the rural schools of the north and the south of Spain. In this sense, a quantitative and qualitative study is developed in which the situation of rural schools is explored by means of a questionnaire and in-depth interviews in three types of centres (unitary classrooms, grouped rural centres and graduate centres located in the rural environment) in two traditionally very rural provinces: Cantabria and Huelva. Contrasts are observed in the setting and the teaching staff and similarities in the centres, the students and the families. The schools are less isolated and have a more stable teaching staff in the north. The teachers are optimistic and have a well-disposed student body. The participation of families can be improved, but they have high expectations of the school. The challenge is and remains to ensure an equitable education system that helps keep the rural world alive.