This article proposes to understand the process of institutionalization and expansion of rural primary schools in Paraná, through the initiatives undertaken by the State government and its relationship with the federal dictates and themes related to rural education, between the 30th and 60th decades of 20th century. The documentary sources that supported the research constitute the messages and reports of State governors and federal stakeholders of the State approached, examined from historical production on the subject. Such documents allowed to build a framework of government actions on rural education, identify the treatment given to the issue of rural school, check the arrangements for schools created and analyze the peculiarities that marked rural primary education in the State.