New Mexico Homeschool High School Guide

Parent-issued diploma recognized. No state homeschool diploma.

Parent-created. No state template.

NM colleges admit homeschool students, typically requiring ACT/SAT scores and parent-issued transcript. Homeschooled students eligible for New Mexico Lottery Scholarship if they have a home school registration certificate from NMPED; enrollment must be full-time at a NM public college or university within 16 months of completion.

Program

Part-time public school enrollment

Eligibility

Must have a STARS ID to participate in public school classes, activities, or sports

How to enroll

Contact local public school; obtain STARS ID

Cost

Free (public school courses)

NMSA 22-1-2.1

What's covered

Sports and Other activities

Eligibility

Must have STARS ID; meet certain requirements

NMSA 22-1-2.1 (equal access provision)

New Mexico offers 2 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

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  Home School : You notify the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) within 30 days of starting, teach five core subjects for 180 instructional days, and maintain attendance and immunization records. The teaching parent must have a high school diploma or GED. No testing required, and no curriculum needs to be submitted for review. Annual renewal by August 1.
• •
  Private School : You register as a private school with the Public Education Department. Requirements differ from the home school pathway, and this option is less commonly used for individual home-based education. Most families choose the home school pathway for its clearer legal framework.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for New Mexico