Homeschooling in New Mexico: Laws & Requirements (2026)

New Mexico offers a straightforward path to homeschooling with minimal bureaucratic interference. File your annual notification, teach five core subjects over 180 days, and the state leaves you alone. No testing requirements, no curriculum approval, no portfolio reviews.

What makes New Mexico particularly family-friendly is the combination of low oversight with genuine sports access. Homeschoolers can participate in public school athletics—a benefit many states don't offer. The notification process is simple, and once completed, you have broad freedom to design your educational program. For families moving from higher-regulation states, New Mexico's approach feels refreshingly hands-off.

New Mexico Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

The Annual Notification Process

New Mexico requires homeschool families to submit a "Letter of Intent" to the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) annually^[1]. The deadline is August 1 for the upcoming school year, or within 30 days of beginning homeschool instruction if you start mid-year.

Your notification must include basic information: your name and contact information, your child's name and age, and the grade level. You'll also need to indicate you hold a high school diploma or equivalent. The form is available on the NMPED website and can be submitted online or by mail.

This is a notification, not a request for approval. NMPED doesn't evaluate your curriculum or teaching plans—they simply maintain a record that your child is being educated at home. Once submitted, you'll receive confirmation, and you're set for the school year.

How to Start Homeschooling in New Mexico

Required Subjects

New Mexico law specifies five subject areas that homeschools must include in their curriculum^[2]:

Reading and language arts form the foundation—this encompasses phonics, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and written composition. Mathematics progresses from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry for high school students. Science covers general science in early years, potentially branching into biology, chemistry, or physics in upper grades. Social studies includes history, geography, civics, and economics.

Beyond these five subjects, you're free to add whatever else serves your child's education: foreign languages, fine arts, physical education, vocational skills, religious instruction—the choice is yours. The state doesn't dictate specific curricula, textbooks, or grade-level expectations within these subject areas.

The Five Required Subjects

• Reading — Phonics, comprehension, literary analysis
• Language Arts — Spelling, grammar, composition, communication skills
• Mathematics — Arithmetic through algebra/geometry for high school
• Social Studies — History, geography, civics, economics
• Science — General science, with potential specialization in upper grades

No Testing Required

New Mexico has no standardized testing mandate for homeschoolers^[1]. The state doesn't require periodic assessments, portfolio reviews, or evaluations by certified teachers. Once you've filed your notification, the state asks no further proof of academic progress.

Some families choose to administer standardized tests voluntarily—either for personal benchmarking, identifying areas for improvement, or preparing for college entrance exams. Popular options include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, and (for high schoolers) PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

This testing freedom allows you to assess progress on your own terms, using whatever methods you find most informative—whether formal tests, portfolio reviews, project assessments, or ongoing observation.

Record-Keeping in New Mexico

New Mexico doesn't mandate specific record-keeping beyond your annual notification. However, maintaining thorough records serves multiple purposes and is strongly recommended.

Keep copies of your NMPED notifications and confirmations each year. Document curriculum materials, textbooks, and educational resources you use. Track attendance informally—dates and general hours of instruction—to demonstrate your 180-day compliance if ever questioned.

For high school students especially, detailed records support transcript creation. Log courses with descriptions, grades, and credits earned. This documentation becomes essential for college applications, employment verification, or transfer to public school.

Recommended Records to Maintain

Sports and Extracurricular Access

New Mexico provides genuine sports access for homeschoolers—a significant benefit many states lack. Homeschooled students may participate in up to three athletic activities at their residence zone public school^[3].

To participate, contact the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) and your local school district. You'll need to verify homeschool status (your NMPED confirmation helps here) and meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students.

Beyond public school athletics, New Mexico has homeschool sports organizations and co-ops offering team sports, competitive leagues, and recreational activities. These provide alternatives for families who prefer homeschool-specific programs or whose schedules don't align with public school practice times.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

New Mexico homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. There's no state-recognized homeschool diploma, GED requirement, or graduation approval process. You establish your own graduation requirements and award the credential when your student meets them.

For college-bound students, create detailed transcripts showing courses, grades, and credits. New Mexico's public universities, including UNM and NMSU, accept homeschool applicants and have established evaluation procedures. Strong SAT or ACT scores complement your transcript and provide standardized reference points.

Dual enrollment offers another pathway. New Mexico community colleges welcome homeschoolers, and credits earned can transfer to state universities. This provides official transcripts for courses completed during high school and can reduce future college costs.

Special Circumstances

Immunization Requirements: New Mexico requires immunization records or an exemption waiver (Form 454) for home-educated students^[2]. Medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions are available.

Special Education Services: Homeschooled students with disabilities may be eligible for evaluation services through the local public school district. However, full IEP services typically require some level of public school enrollment.

Dual Enrollment: Homeschoolers can take individual classes at public schools on a part-time basis, though availability varies by district. Contact your local school for current dual enrollment options.

Moving to New Mexico: If relocating from another state, file your Letter of Intent within 30 days of establishing residency. Previous state records don't transfer automatic compliance—you must meet New Mexico's notification requirement.

The Bottom Line

New Mexico makes homeschooling accessible without bureaucratic complications. File your annual notification, teach five core subjects over 180 days, and maintain reasonable records. No testing, no curriculum approval, no portfolio reviews—just education on your terms.

The sports access provision sets New Mexico apart from many states, allowing homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics without jumping through excessive hoops. Combined with low regulatory burden, this creates a genuinely family-friendly homeschool environment.

Start by confirming you meet the high school diploma requirement, then file your Letter of Intent with NMPED by August 1. From there, the freedom to design your child's education is yours.