In recent years, the majority of new immigrants to the United States have settled in rural areas, creating unique challenges for special education administrators. In this article, we discuss the details of the challenges to rural schools in meeting the requirements of the federal mandates, especially No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act passed in 2001 and the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Additionally, we discuss the challenges related to isolation, distance, teacher retention, resources, and English language learners and learners in poverty in rural areas. We then provide guidance and recommendations for improving the practice of special education in rural areas.