Of Washington State's 296 school districts, two-thirds have 2,000 or fewer students. These small school districts provide unique learning opportunities for Washington's children, but also present special challenges to achieving the higher standards called for in the state education reform bill and recent federal legislation. This report provides an overview of the impediments that Washington State's schools face, a vision for future success, and strategies to help meet the challenges in several key areas, including equity of funding, program support, staffing, flexibility/adaptability and facilities. The report grew out of two educational summits held in 2002, and represents a collaboration of many different stakeholders. Educators and board members on the front lines in small school districts contributed their perspectives, as did representatives of organizations such as the Washington Association of School Administrators, Washington State School Directors' Association, Parents and Teachers Association, State Legislature, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, State Board of Education, Rural Education Center, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The goal is to develop a powerful common voice regarding Washington's small schools and to be heard whenever decisions are made that affect education in the state. Also included are case studies in three small districts: Index, Klickitat and Steilacoom Historical.