Homeschooling in New Mexico: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in New Mexico. Know the New Mexico homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There is one way to homeschool 

• Children between 5-18 of age must be in school 

• You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions

Requirements:

• There ARE teacher qualifications

• There ARE state mandated subjects 

• There are NO required assessments or testing 

• There ARE immunization requirements

How to Homeschool in New Mexico

• Notify the state superintendent of your intent to homeschool within 30 days of starting to homeschool and every year after by August 1^st

• Have at least a high school diploma or GED in order to qualify as a teacher

• Include the following subjects:

1. Math
2. Reading
3. Language arts
4. Social studies
5. Science

• Instruction must be at least 180 days

• Keep a record of immunizations unless you have a religious objection or medical exemption

Helpful links:

https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Home-School-Registration-Form-Updated.pdf

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/newmexico.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• New Mexico Public Education Department
  300 Don Gaspar
  Santa Fe, NM 87501-2786
  Phone: (505) 827-5800
  Fax: (505) 827-6725
  Website: http://www.ped.state.nm.us/ped/index.html

• U.S. Department of Education, New Mexico

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.