Homeschooling in New Mexico? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in New Mexico is governed by NMSA 22-1-2.1. You notify your local school district superintendent within 30 days of establishing your home school, and you renew that notification by August 1 each year. The required subjects are reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science — the statute uses "including, but not limited to" language, so these are minimums, not limits. You provide 180 instructional days per year, matching the public school calendar, though no minimum hours per day are specified.

One requirement that sets New Mexico apart: the teaching parent must have at least a high school diploma or GED. No teaching certificate or college degree is needed — just that baseline credential. Beyond that, you have complete freedom in curriculum choice. No textbooks are mandated, no curriculum needs to be submitted for review, and Common Core is not required.

New Mexico is notable for requiring attendance records that may be requested by the local superintendent or the Public Education Department. This is a light touch — you keep a log showing 180 instructional days, and in practice most families are never asked to produce it. New Mexico does not have an ESA, voucher, or tax credit program for homeschool families.

Most New Mexico families homeschool under NMSA 22-1-2.1, which provides a clear and well-defined framework for home-based education. A private school pathway exists under NMSA 22-1-2, but it involves registration with the Public Education Department and is less commonly used for individual families. The home school pathway is the standard choice.

Kindergarten is compulsory. New Mexico requires school attendance starting at age 5 (by September 1). If your child turns 5 before September 1 and you plan to homeschool, you must file your notification for the kindergarten year.

Get a STARS ID. Home school students who want to participate in public school classes, sports, or extracurricular activities need a STARS ID. Contact your local school district to obtain one.

Sports and extracurriculars. New Mexico requires local school districts to allow homeschool students to participate in sports and extracurricular activities, provided they meet certain requirements and have a STARS ID.

Dual enrollment. Homeschooled students may enroll in individual public school courses at no cost. A STARS ID is required.

Lottery Scholarship. Homeschooled students are eligible for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship if they have a home school registration certificate from NMPED and enroll full-time at a New Mexico public college or university within 16 months of completion.

IEP considerations. IEP services end when you withdraw. Your district must evaluate your child under Child Find, and some proportionate share services may be available. Contact the NMPED Special Education Bureau for guidance.

Renew annually. Unlike some states, New Mexico requires annual renewal of your notification by August 1 each year. Mark your calendar.