How to start homeschooling in New Mexico
The legal steps, in order, checked against New Mexico law.
Short answer: In New Mexico a home school is a parent-run home study program that covers reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science. Parents register the home school with the Public Education Department within 30 days of starting it, and again by August 1 each year. The person teaching must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, and the parent keeps immunization records or a waiver.
Checked against N.M. Stat. Ann. 22-1-2(E) (home school definition), as reproduced by the Public Education Department on Nov 8, 2026. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Home school
A parent, guardian, or person with legal custody who will run a home study program for their school-age child.
Steps
- Confirm that the person who will teach has at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Plan a basic academic program that includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
- Within 30 days of establishing the home school, register it with the Public Education Department through the online Home School System, or on the paper Notification of a Home School form if online registration is not possible. If mailing, the department suggests certified mail with return receipt.
- Keep records of your child's immunizations, or a waiver of that requirement.
- Renew the registration by August 1 of each year the home school operates.
| Notice to the state | Yes To: New Mexico Public Education Department When: Within 30 days of establishing the home school, then by August 1 of each following year Official form |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science |
| Time | Not confirmed in our check. Ask the state education department. |
| Parent qualifications | At least a high school diploma or its equivalent |
| Testing or evaluation | Not confirmed in our check. Ask the state education department. |
| Records to keep | Records of the student's disease immunizations, or a waiver. The department says other records, such as instructional hours and portfolios of work, are encouraged but not required. |
The law: N.M. Stat. Ann. 22-1-2(E) (home school definition), as reproduced by the Public Education Department N.M. Stat. Ann. 22-1-2.1 (home school requirements), as reproduced by the Public Education Department N.M. Stat. Ann. 22-12A-4 (school attendance), as reproduced by the Public Education Department
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in New Mexico?
Yes, under the home school route, you notify New Mexico Public Education Department within 30 days of establishing the home school, then by August 1 of each following year.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in New Mexico?
Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science
Sources
- N.M. Stat. Ann. 22-1-2(E) (home school definition), as reproduced by the Public Education Department
- Home Schooling, New Mexico Public Education Department, Options for Parents and Families
We read each source on Nov 8, 2026 and recheck every guide each quarter. Laws change. If something here no longer matches the state, write to us and we will fix it.