The article describes the results of a federal experiment in restructuring rural school networks. It was carried out in 2002—2004 at 156 rural schools in 18 federal subjects of the Russian Federation. More than 40 thousand students and 7.5 thousand teachers were involved. The article generalizes the experience of alternative models of the basic (central) school with a network of branches, a perambulating laboratory, a socialcultural complex, a resource center, a specialized rural school, and an association of education institutions of different levels. The economic efficiency of alternative models for rural schools, the quality of education and academic achievements of students in the experimental regions are analyzed. The author presents suggestions on taking into account the demographic and social-economic specifics while restructuring rural school networks. Particular attention is given to the forms of co-operation and network interaction between education institutions and sport organizations, social-cultural bodies and enterprises. The technology of social partnership is used to promote cooperation and integration of resources.