Homeschool In New Mexico (NM 2024-2025)

How Do You Homeschool In New Mexico?

If you’re wondering how to homeschool in New Mexico, it’s simple to get started. This is your step-by-step guide to homeschooling your child in NM in the 2024-2025 school year. Be sure to watch the video and listen to the podcast episode that is further down this page.

Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, the steps to get started are the same. To be clear, at HomeSchool ThinkTank, we’re not lawyers, but we’re here to guide you on your homeschool journey.

Not from New Mexico? See this article about how to homeschool where you live.

New Mexico Homeschooling Resources

The links below lead to helpful information about homeschooling in New Mexico.

• NM Homeschool Law at a Glance
• U.S. Department of Education for New Mexico
• NMPED (New Mexico Public Education Department)
• Statutes (requirements) for New Mexico Homeschool Students
• New Mexico Legislature
• U.S. Department of Education for New Mexico
• CAPE NM (Christian Association of Parent Educators, New Mexico)

New Mexico Homeschooling Information

New Mexico state law requires that homeschooled children be registered with the state each year. Before heading to the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) website, please read the following helpful information.

While visiting with a CAPE NM representative, it was mentioned that the State of New Mexico is now asking if you would like your child to be assigned a STARS ID. This question is asked on the state’s homeschool registration form. A STARS ID number is a number assigned to each student in the public education system. At the time of this writing, getting a STARS ID is optional for homeschooled students.

If your child has already been to a New Mexico Public School, they’ve already been assigned a STARS ID number. However, if your child hasn’t been assigned a number yet, a CAPE NM representative suggested that parents don’t allow a STARS ID number to be assigned to their child*. Apparently, this number links your child to the Child Protective Services System.

Video: What’s the Homeschool Law In New Mexico

New Mexico STARS ID: Public School Extra-Curricular Activities and Dual Credit Classes

Note* Please note that if your child participates in public school extracurricular activities or sports, he or she will need a STARS ID number. Your child will also need a STARS ID number to be a dual-credit homeschool student at a college.

Free Course: Homeschool Your Kids with Confidence

How To Register Your Child As a Homeschooled Student In New Mexico

New Mexico state law requires that homeschooled children be registered with the state each year.

• NM Letter of Intent Online registration link for the State of New Mexico.
• NM Letter of Intent Mail-In Form.

New Mexico Public Education Department Homeschooling Information

• New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED).
• Basic information about homeschooling in New Mexico.
• Frequently asked questions about homeschooling in New Mexico.
• Statutes (requirements) for New Mexico homeschool students.
• NM Letter of Intent Online registration link for the State of New Mexico.
• NM Letter of Intent Mail-In Form.

Listen To the HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast!

Helpful Information for New Mexico High School Homeschool Graduation Requirements

Below are helpful links and information about New Mexico homeschool high school graduation requirements.

How Will My Child Graduate From High School In New Mexico?

While many homeschooled students stop homeschooling at the end of eighth grade and go to a public or private high school, this is not necessary. Your child can graduate with a high school diploma as a homeschooled student.

There are three ways to graduate as a homeschooled high school student in New Mexico.

1. Graduation by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Graduation by correspondence course, distance learning school, or homeschool program.
3. Take and pass the GED test. A student can take this test beginning at the age of 16.

See #11 from the NM PED Frequently Asked Questions page.

When Can My Child Graduate High School In New Mexico?

A student must be in school until they are 18 or have graduated from high school or received a general educational development certificate (GED).

For more information, see the statutes link provided in this article.

HSLDA High School Homeschool Graduation Information

1. Why Every Teen Needs A Transcript – And How To Get One.
2. What Information Goes On My High Schooler’s Transcript?
3. How To Calculate A Grade Point Average – GPA.
4. Free High School Transcript Templates.

NM PED Links with Homeschool Graduation Information

• Learn about NM laws at NM PED Homeschooling Statutes.
• Get more questions answered about homeschooling in New Mexico: NM PED frequently asked questions.

GED Info & Links…

• Get information about homeschooled kids earning a GED: GED Information.
• Here’s the permission form for GED minors: GED Permission form for 16 and 17-year-old students.

Decide If Homeschooling Is the Right Decision for Your Family

Helpful Information About Homeschooling

• How Homeschoolers Make Friends
• Homeschool Curriculum
• Why to Deschool Before You Homeschool
• Homeschool Styles to Explore
• Homeschool Consulting & Coaching

Podcast Episode: How To Start Homeschooling Your Kids

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