Home Schools
in New Mexico
Procedures Manual for Home School Operators in New Mexico
Home schools are operated by a parent or legal guardian of a school-age person who instructs a home study program, including but not limited to reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Home school students are not considered public school students and do not receive credits for the courses, unless the home study program is through an accredited correspondence school.
Parents/Legal Guardians must notify the state of the establishment of a home school via the home school web site (electronically), or send written notification to the Secretary of Education within thirty (30) days of establishment of a Home School and re-notify on or before April 1st of each year thereafter.
Electronic notification:
Online Home School Notification Form and Instructions 
Written notification:
New Mexico Public Education Department
Attn: Home School Notification
300 Don Gaspar
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Refer questions about home schools to:
Linda Olivas
Options for Parents
Ph: (505) 827-6909
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I establish a home school?
Parents/Legal Guardians must notify the state of the establishment of a home school via the home school web site (electronically), or send written notification to the Secretary of Education at 300 Don Gaspar Santa Fe, NM 87501-2786 (Attention: Home School Notification) within thirty (30) days of establishment of a Home School and re-notify on or before April 1st of each year thereafter.
What are the requirements?
The home school operator must:
- be the parent or the legal guardian
- have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- keep a calendar in their own files showing that they are teaching the child(ren) at least 180 days out of the school year
- keep a copy of their own diploma or degree in their own files
- keep a copy of the child(ren)'s immunization records or objection to immunization waiver form in their own files
- send electronic or written notification to the Secretary of Education within thirty (30) days of the Home School's establishment
- must renew the home school's establishment every year on or before April 1st by submitting written notification
Can I home school someone else's child whether I'm related to them or not?
New Mexico state law requires that the home school operator is the parent or the legal guardian.
Are my children allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities (school sponsored sports)?
For information you may contact your local superintendent's office and/or you may contact the New Mexico Activities Association at (505) 821-1887.
What do I do if I decide to stop home schooling because I enrolled my child(ren) in school?
You must send written (or electronic) notification to the Secretary of Education at:
NM Public Education Department
Attention: Home School Notification
300 Don Gaspar Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2786
Will I receive verification that my home school notification form was received?
When you submit your form through our website you will receive an automatic confirmation number so there will not be a need for you to request a letter of verification. If you send in written notification and need verification, request a verification letter along with your notification form.
Where do I find books and/or curriculum?
You may request to borrow books from your local public schools – keep in mind that they may or may not honor your request. Or you may visit the online resources section which contains numerous valuable links to websites.
Will I automatically receive a blank form when it's time re-new my home school annually?
No. You need to send written or electronic notification by April 1st of each school year.
Will my child earn credits toward a public high school diploma while home schooling?
No, unless you purchase a high school diploma program (or specific courses) from an accredited correspondence high school. Under this type of setting the child is still considered to be home schooling until completion.
Can I home school my child until he/she is ready for the GED?
Yes.
Refer questions about home schools to:
David Padilla
Options for Parents
Ph: (505) 827-6909
