How to homeschool in New Mexico

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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New Mexico homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in New Mexico is a legal and flexible option for parents seeking alternative education paths for their children.

New Mexico offers one primary homeschooling option for families, which involves parents taking full responsibility for their child's education at home. This means to get started, it’s essential to understand the specific laws and requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Legal requirements: Parents must notify the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) within 30 days of starting homeschooling and annually thereafter.
Compulsory education: Children must be homeschooled between the ages of 5 (as of September 1st) and 18.
Parent education requirements: Parents must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to provide home education.
Curriculum requirements: New Mexico homeschooling law requires instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies (including history and geography), and science.

To review or submit your Notice of Intent, visit the New Mexico Public Education Department website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in New Mexico

Time4Learning is an online curriculum designed to simplify homeschooling and ensure compliance with state laws. Follow these steps to get started in New Mexico:

Know the law. Familiarize yourself with New Mexico’s homeschooling laws and file your notice of intent with the NMPED. The notice of intent can be submitted in two ways:
i. Register through the online database, the NMPED Home School System
ii. Send a paper Notification of a Home School form to the NMPED.
Plan your curriculum. Use Time4Learning to cover all required subjects, including language arts, math, social studies, and science. The flexible platform allows you to customize learning for your child’s needs.
Create a schedule. Time4Learning makes it easy to design a schedule that works for your family. The curriculum is accessible 24/7 and include a planner for parents to help you decide when and how long your child studies each day.
Keep records. Time4Learning generates automated progress reports that meet recordkeeping needs, making compliance with state homeschool requirements easier.
Monitor progress. With interactive lessons and detailed reporting features, you’ll always know how your child is doing and where additional focus is needed.

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New Mexico’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in New Mexico are not required to follow traditional public school graduation requirements, but parents may customize their graduation criteria. Here are some credit recommendations for awarding a homeschool diploma:

Language arts - 4 credits
Mathematics - 4 credits (including Algebra I and II, Geometry, and a higher-level math)
Science - 3 credits (2 with labs)
Social studies - 3 credits (including US history, geography, and government)
Electives - Flexible based on the student’s interests and goals.

Parents issue and sign the diploma when all graduation requirements are met. It’s also a good idea to prepare a detailed transcript of coursework, grades, and credits for future use.

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Standardized test requirements for New Mexico homeschoolers

Fortunately, New Mexico homeschoolers are not required to participate in standardized testing. However, some parents choose to use standardized tests to assess their child's progress or for college application preparation. Tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT are common options for high schoolers.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in New Mexico

Applying to college as a homeschool student in New Mexico is a straightforward process. Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing homeschoolers' strengths and achievements. Here’s how to prepare:

Transcripts. Create a professional transcript that includes coursework by year, grades and GPA, as well as extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Time4Learning has an easy-to-use printable transcript template to help you prepare.
Standardized testing. Take the SAT or ACT early to strengthen your application.
Letters of recommendation. Ask other educators or supervisors (if applicable) for recommendation letters to support your application.
Essays. Highlight unique aspects of your homeschooling experience, emphasizing self-discipline and independent learning skills.

Most colleges in New Mexico, like University of New Mexico, welcome homeschool applications and have dedicated admissions counselors who can assist you.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in New Mexico

New Mexico does not currently offer an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program to provide financial aid for homeschooling. However, parents can take advantage of programs like tax-free savings or discounted curriculum resources to reduce costs. Always check for changes in state legislature, as homeschooling financial assistance programs are being introduced across the country.