Hours / Days
Same as local public schools (typically 180 days, 1,140 hours)
State Code
NM
Subjects
5 required
Filing Requirements
Letter of Intent
By August 1 or within 30 days of startingFile with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) through their online notification system. Simple notification.
How to Comply with New Mexico's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in New Mexico
Legal Classification
Home School (Notice of Intent to Home School)
Compulsory Education Ages
5-18
Steps to Get Started
Register Your Home School Within 30 Days
You must file a Notice of Intent to Home School with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. Registration is done through the online NMPED Home School System. When you register, you'll receive a unique 5-digit registration number for each child, which serves as your proof of notification.
- File online through the NMPED Home School System
- Submit within 30 days of starting your homeschool
- Receive a unique 5-digit registration number per child
- Print your Home School – Parent Notification Report as proof
- No filing fee is required
The online system is straightforward—you'll have your registration number immediately after filing.
Renew Your Registration Annually by August 1
Each school year, you must renew your home school registration through the NMPED Home School System by August 1. This annual renewal confirms that you're continuing your home education program and updates any changes to student or parent information.
- File renewal by August 1 each school year
- Use the online NMPED Home School System
- Update any changes to student or family information
- Receive updated registration numbers for the new school year
Setting a calendar reminder for July helps ensure you don't miss the August 1 deadline.
Have a Qualified Instructor
New Mexico requires that your home school have a qualified instructor. A qualified instructor is defined as a parent or legal guardian with a high school diploma or GED. If you or another parent/guardian has completed high school, you meet this requirement.
- Parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or GED
- Or hold a teaching certificate
- If you don't have a diploma, you may hire a qualified teacher
Most homeschooling parents meet this requirement simply by having a high school diploma.
Teach Required Subject Areas
New Mexico requires instruction in essential subject areas appropriate to your child's grade level. These typically include reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. You have complete freedom in choosing curriculum, methods, and materials.
- Reading and language arts (reading, writing, grammar)
- Mathematics (age and grade appropriate)
- Science (life, earth, and physical science)
- Social studies (history, geography, civics)
- Physical education
Required subjects can be integrated through unit studies or taught separately—the choice is yours.
Design Your Educational Program
New Mexico has no curriculum approval requirements, mandated textbooks, hour requirements, or testing mandates. You have complete autonomy to design your child's education. Choose materials and methods that align with your educational philosophy and your child's learning style.
- No curriculum approval process
- Any textbooks, programs, or materials are acceptable
- You determine pacing and teaching methods
- Classical, traditional, unschooling, or eclectic approaches all acceptable
New Mexico's flexibility gives you freedom to create an education truly customized to your child.
Keep Records of Instruction
Maintain records documenting that instruction is occurring in required subject areas. While these records are not submitted to the state, they help you track progress and demonstrate that your homeschool is active.
- Attendance and instructional records
- Samples of completed work and projects
- Books read and topics studied
- Field trips and enrichment activities
- Receipts for curriculum and materials
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, file your Notice of Intent with NMPED and your child is considered withdrawn. No separate withdrawal form is needed. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
New Mexico homeschoolers may be able to participate in some public school activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your school district's athletic director to inquire about opportunities.
Special Education
New Mexico allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child previously received special education services, coordinate with your district about services you want to maintain.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Create a portfolio with samples of work from each subject area throughout the year
- Maintain attendance records showing regular instructional activity
- Keep receipts for curriculum, textbooks, and educational materials purchased
- Document field trips, educational activities, and enrichment classes
- Take photos of projects, experiments, and hands-on learning activities
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
No testing required.
Record Keeping
Immunization records required.
Key Facts About New Mexico
Parent must have high school diploma or GED
Instruction time equivalent required
No testing mandated
Extracurricular activities allowed
Ages 5-17
“Every family's homeschool journey in New Mexico is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma in New Mexico?
Yes. The parent providing instruction must have a high school diploma or GED. This is a state requirement.
How much instruction time is needed?
You must provide instruction equivalent to your local public schools, typically 180 days and 1,140 hours per year.
Does New Mexico require testing?
No. New Mexico does not mandate standardized testing.
Can my child participate in public school activities?
Yes. New Mexico allows homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Looking for requirements in another state?