Homeschooling in New Mexico
If you’re doing research on how to homeschool in New Mexico, this page will give you an overview of everything you need to know. First off, know that the steps to homeschooling in New Mexico aren’t difficult to follow. In fact, the legal requirements for homeschooling in New Mexico are pretty straightforward and afford families many freedoms.
When beginning your homeschooling journey, it’s crucial to first become familiar with your state’s homeschooling laws to ensure that you are doing everything by the book and thus prevent you from encountering any issues along the way.
Read on if you’re about to start homeschooling in New Mexico:
- How to Start Homeschool in New Mexico
- New Mexico Homeschooling Laws
- New Mexico Homeschool Associations
- New Mexico Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- New Mexico Homeschool Field Trips
- New Mexico Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in New Mexico
- How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12 in New Mexico
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Start Homeschooling in New Mexico
Follow the steps below to start homeschooling your child in New Mexico:
- Notify the New Mexico Public Education Department within 30 days of starting your homeschool.
- Have a high school diploma or GED to teach your child(ren).
- Homeschool for at least 180 days per year.
- Teach the required subjects of reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science.
- Enjoy learning together!
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
New Mexico Homeschooling Laws
New Mexico families are required to do the following when homeschooling their children:
- You must be the child’s parent or legal guardian and have a high school diploma or GED, as well as a copy of your diploma in your files.
- Homeschool between the ages of 5-18.
- Provide written or electronic notification to the state each year by August 1 for as long as you homeschool.
- Keep a copy of your child’s immunization records in your files.
To learn more details about the legal requirements for homeschooling in New Mexico, visit our New Mexico Homeschooling Laws page.
New Mexico Homeschool Associations
Statewide homeschool associations offer families guidance and support throughout the homeschooling journey. New Mexico’s homeschool association is a faith-based organization called the Christian Association of Parent Educators (CAPE-NM). Learn more about this organization and if it’s a good fit for your family in our New Mexico Homeschooling Associations page.
New Mexico Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
When homeschooling in New Mexico, or any state for that matter, having a strong support system can make a world of difference for both new and experienced homeschoolers. New Mexico has a number of homeschool groups and co-ops throughout the state whose focus is to provide support, resources, and encouragement to families. While some groups cater to specific religions, world views, or even counties and age groups, you are sure to find a homeschool group that is right for your family.
To learn more and find a support group or co-op near you, be sure to visit our New Mexico Homeschool Groups and Co-ops page.
New Mexico Homeschool Field Trips
Who said home education only happens at home? From museums to state parks and everything in between, New Mexico has a wide array of educational destinations that make for great field trips. Whether you want to enhance your science curriculum, learn about nature, discover the state’s history, or just get out of the house for a few hours, families homeschooling in New Mexico can take their learning to a number of different locations throughout the state.
To browse all the field trips opportunities in the Land of Enchantment, visit our Homeschool Field Trips in New Mexico post. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.
New Mexico Standardized Testing and Test Prep
In New Mexico, homeschooled students are not required to participate in the state’s yearly standardized testing known as the Standards Based Assessment (SBA). Families who still wish to have their students tested may inquire with their district, however, please be aware that districts can refuse.
Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in New Mexico
Homeschoolers in New Mexico are free to use any curriculum or combination of homeschool programs that they deem best for their student. Because families in New Mexico are required to teach certain subjects in their homeschool, you’ll want to make sure you’re adequately prepared to meet those requirements.
Below are some of the reasons why homeschoolers in New Mexico consistently choose Time4Learning’s online curriculum:
- Comprehensive membership includes the core subjects of math, language arts, science, and social studies, with additional elective available for purchase.
- Flexible program allows 1st through 8th grade students access to lessons in grade below and above their current grade.
- Automated grading and recordkeeping helps parents build a stellar homeschool portfolio in a short time, so they can focus on the fun parts of homeschooling.
- Student-paced approach and the option to redo a lesson or retake a test helps promote mastery, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adjust the curriculum for children with special needs or gifted students.
- Low monthly fee, no contracts and a 14-day money back guarantee.
- Combination of education with interactive fun provides access to printable worksheets and other resources for those who prefer an eclectic homeschooling style.
New Mexico Unit Study Supplement
Help your homeschooler learn interesting history and geography facts about New Mexico in the Time4Learning unit study supplement.
Online Curriculum for Homeschool, Afterschool and Summer Use
In addition to being an award-winning choice for homeschool families, Time4Learning also offers an online after school program to help build your child’s skills. View our lesson demos and discover why thousands of families in New Mexico are already using it!
Give your student the chance to get back on track or explore exciting electives and get ahead for the next school year with Time4Learning’s online summer school. Our educational materials will engage and challenge your child to succeed.
