This study focused on rural principals' perceptions of how they use leadership to develop parent and community partnerships in their schools. Participants' perceptions of their practices that attributed to student success through parent and community partnerships in successful rural schools were examined through inquiry of leadership practices that support parent and community partnerships. The themes that emerged included: trust, integrity and transparency, and tradition. It is therefore recommended that school leaders, community members, and new residents of small rural communities undergo culturally responsive best practice training that specifically addresses the challenges facing rural schools and allow the opportunity for administrators to focus and design school environments driven by intimate school community partnerships. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]