New Mexico Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in New Mexico Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 5-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes

How to Start Homeschooling in New Mexico

New Mexico is a homeschool-friendly state with plenty of flexibility. Families can choose their approach to home education, and students are not required to participate in standardized testing. As a new home educator, one of the first things you’ll need to do is create an account with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).

Notice of Intent and Withdrawal Letter for Homeschooling in New Mexico

In New Mexico, you’re required to let the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) know you plan to homeschool. You’ll do this by submitting any enrollment and unenrollment updates through their online platform–NMPED Home School System. This digital registration process replaces the previous requirement of submitting a Letter of Intent to the Secretary of Public Education.

By creating an account and logging in, you can provide the NMPED with annual notifications, update your contact information, change your geographic school district (in case of relocation), provide enrollment and disenrollment details, and generate an official verification of enrollment. 

TIP: You will need to notify the NMPED within 30 days of starting your homeschool.

New Mexico Withdrawal Letter

If your child is currently enrolled in public school and you’re planning to homeschool, you’ll need to submit a withdrawal notice to your child’s current public school. This is an important step to avoid any truancy problems.

The school may request to see proof of your registered homeschool. You can print that document on the NMPED Home School System. 

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Qualifications to Homeschool in New Mexico

There are only two qualifications for home educators in New Mexico: 

1) Be the parent or legal guardian of the homeschool student

2) Hold a high school diploma or GED

You do not need to have any special teaching licenses or certificates or have reached a specific level of college education.

You can also have another adult teach your child. Under New Mexico state law, the parent or legal guardian has to serve as the homeschool operator. Although someone else may teach a specific subject, the parent or guardian is still responsible for fulfilling the duties of the homeschool operator, including notification, record keeping, and verifying that the instructor has a high school diploma or GED.

Legal Requirements to Homeschool in New Mexico

If you’re considering homeschooling your child, the following requirements must be met:

• You must be their parent or legal guardian and possess a high school diploma or GED. It’s also necessary to keep a copy of your diploma in your files.
• Homeschooling must take place between the ages of 5-18.
• You must provide notification to the state by August 1st each year for as long as you continue to homeschool.
• You should maintain a record of your child’s immunization (including exemptions) in your files.

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Mandatory School Age in New Mexico

 While it’s possible to homeschool your child at any age, state law requires that students ages 5-18 receive education through a private, public, or homeschool. 

TIP: It’s important to officially enroll your child in your homeschool when they turn 5 to avoid truancy penalties. 

New Mexico Homeschool Subject and Curriculum Requirements

Homeschoolers must include reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science in their curriculum. 

There is no required curriculum, and you can deliver instruction in the required subject areas in whatever way is best for your family and homeschool method.

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New Mexico Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

If you have your child evaluated, we recommend keeping records of their test scores in your homeschool files. You should also keep communications with the school districts, a portfolio of your child’s work, and a record of which subjects you’ve taught your child. 

All of these things can be helpful if you ever decide to enroll your child in public school. 

New Mexico Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschooled students in New Mexico are not required to take or submit assessments. If you choose to have your child evaluated for proficiency, you can contact your local school district and request that they participate in the scheduled state testing through the public school.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in New Mexico

You must maintain your immunization records for your homeschooled child in New Mexico. The state allows a waiver for required immunizations based on religious and medical exemptions.

TIP: If your child has an exemption, keep this document with the rest of your homeschool records.

APS Family Schools, Alternative Approach

You may consider a combination program if you’re in the Albuquerque area and aren’t sure about full-time homeschooling. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) offers a unique K-8 program that combines public school instruction with home-based learning. 

This alternative program allows for greater parental involvement in their children’s education. Students spend a portion of the day (80%) receiving classroom instruction and another portion (20%) homeschooling. The unique arrangement enables students to develop their knowledge through active participation in problem-solving lessons and community activities.

The curriculum is rigorous, hands-on, and self-directed, with a focus on cooperative learning. Additionally, parents and guardians are invited to attend a monthly class to help them share in the responsibility of assessing and educating their child.

If this combined homeschooling method appeals to your family, look into Coyote Willow Family School and Desert Willow Family School.

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Resources for Homeschool Families in New Mexico

New Mexico’s homeschooling community offers many opportunities for families to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and support their homeschooling efforts. 

Homeschool groups, co-ops, and larger associations are some of the best resources for these purposes. Plenty of options are available for both support and enjoyable experiences within the varied homeschooling community of New Mexico.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in New Mexico

Participating in a homeschool group or co-op can be an excellent means of connecting with other homeschoolers in New Mexico. 

Homeschool groups and co-ops are all different sizes and offer different areas of focus, but they typically provide opportunities for socializing, academic enrichment, and collaboration among homeschooling families. Homeschool groups and co-ops often organize field trips, classes, workshops, and other activities that can benefit homeschoolers. 

Additionally, a homeschool group can provide support, advice, and meaningful friendships for home educators. 

If you’re looking for a homeschool group or co-op in New Mexico, we recommend starting your search online. Here are some popular groups and co-ops in the area:

New Mexico Homeschool Group

Homeschooling in NM

New Mexico Secular + Inclusive Homeschoolers

New Mexico Easy Peasy Homeschool

New Mexico Homeschool Support

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool associations are a formal type of homeschool organization. It’s a statewide non-profit that supports homeschoolers in the state, protects their rights through advocacy efforts, and provides support. 

New Mexico has one statewide homeschool association, Christian Association of Parent Educators (CAPE-NM). Though Christian focused, CAPE-NM supports homeschooling families of all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities. 

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in New Mexico

If your homeschooled child has expressed interest in playing sports for the local school team, they are in luck! New Mexico public school districts permit homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities and sports. 

Beyond public school sports, there are many opportunities for your homeschooling family to participate in athletics. Here are some great options to consider:

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in New Mexico
Albuquerque Homeschool Athletic Association (AHSA)	Basketball, track and field, volleyball, soccer, flag football	Albuquerque
Running 505	Track	Albuquerque
Genoveva Chavez Community Center	Ice skating, swimming, hockey, curling, volleyball, basketball, racquetball	Santa Fe
Field Institute of Taos	Mountain biking, cycling, hiking	El PradoTaos
Farmington Gymnastics Academy	Gymnastics	Farmington

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New Mexico Homeschool Field Trips 

Every homeschooling family loves a good field trip. Homeschoolers in New Mexico live in a diverse state full of hands-on learning opportunities and beautiful nature.

Here are some unique field trip options for homeschoolers in New Mexico:

Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park for geology and natural history exploration.

Spaceport America Visitor Center for a fascinating look at space exploration and commercial spaceflight.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque or the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe for an exploration of New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Albuquerque BioPark or Rio Grande Nature Center to explore the state’s diverse ecosystems.

Before embarking on your next field trip adventure, it’s worth checking the websites of organizations and businesses for special deals and access for homeschoolers. 

TIP: Look for special homeschool programming or field trip discounts that can make your educational experiences both enriching and cost-effective.

Special Education Homeschoolers

New Mexico used to allow local school districts to provide services to homeschooled children with special needs, but they changed their stance in 2007. Their new opinion and how things stand at the time of this writing is that the local education associations are not required to provide services to homeschooled students with special needs.

While a homeschooling parent can still ask for a special education evaluation by the school district, the district is in no way obligated or encouraged to provide services for children who are not enrolled.

However, if a family enrolls a child with special needs in a public or charter school in New Mexico for one or more classes (not exceeding half of their curriculum hours), they can receive Section 504 accommodations. 

Keep in mind that these accommodations may not be as extensive as the student would receive if they were enrolled full-time in the local public school. Still, the presence of some services may benefit families homeschooling students with special needs in New Mexico.

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New Mexico Homeschool FAQ

How do New Mexico homeschoolers get a diploma?  

In New Mexico, a homeschooler can graduate from high school in three ways. 

1. Earn a Diploma: To do this, your child has to enroll in high school and comply with all graduation requirements. Be aware that the public school may not accept homeschool coursework as acceptable course credits toward a diploma. If that is the case, your child may have to show proficiency through testing.

2. Test to Earn a GED: Starting at age 16, if your child is ready, they can test to earn their GED. 

3. Earn a Non-New Mexico Diploma: If you choose to graduate your child from your homeschool program or have them graduate through a homeschool program you have purchased, the diploma they receive counts as their high school graduation. 

Is my homeschooler eligible for the legislative lottery scholarship for college?

Yes! As of 2021, this unique scholarship opportunity is open to homeschoolers. You can read more about eligibility requirements on the New Mexico Higher Education Department website.

Is unschooling legal in New Mexico? 

Unschooling is a legitimate and lawful form of homeschooling in New Mexico. Home educators who opt for unschooling are not obligated to adhere to any particular curriculum beyond ensuring their child learns reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. These subjects can be approached in any way, so home educators are at liberty to allow their child’s interests to guide their educational journey. 

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in New Mexico?

The decision to homeschool is one that families revisit and recommit to every year. If you decide to enroll your homeschooled child in public school in New Mexico, there are guidelines depending on your child’s age.

If your child is in kindergarten through 8th grade, they will be assigned to the grade level that corresponds with their age. Following a six-week observation period, a conference between the parent and teacher will be arranged to evaluate the student’s placement and make any necessary modifications.

For your high school student, every school district will have a unique enrollment process. You will need to connect with the local school and confirm what steps to take to enroll your child.

Having well-kept records is beneficial when enrolling your child in public school after homeschooling. Showing proof of coursework and proficiency in academic areas can be helpful during the enrollment process.

TIP: Once you enroll your child in public school, you will need to access the NMPED Homeschool System and disenroll your child from homeschooling. 

How much does it cost to homeschool in New Mexico? 

Each family approaches homeschooling differently, which means every family will incur varying levels of education-associated costs. Check out your local library to borrow books, curricula, and supplies and to participate in library-sponsored activities to make homeschooling more economical. 

Is New Mexico considered a homeschool-friendly state?

Yes! New Mexico is very homeschool friendly. In addition to allowing access to public school sports and extracurriculars, the state has given much flexibility and educational oversight to home educators. 

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