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Homeschool laws · New Mexico

How to homeschool in New Mexico

August 1 is the yearly deadline.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for New Mexico. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

New Mexico requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. Notify the Public Education Department (online or by mail) within 30 days of starting, then every year by August 1.

Minimum school time

The same number of days as your local public schools, generally 180.

Required subjects

Reading, language arts, math, social studies and science.

Parent qualifications

A high school diploma or GED.

Testing or evaluation

None required.

Records to keep

Immunization records.

Compulsory school ages

5–18

Legal ways to homeschool in New Mexico

  • Homeschool with a yearly notice

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    Notify the Public Education Department (online or by mail) within 30 days of starting, then every year by August 1.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 180 school days

    The same number of days as your local public schools, generally 180. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 180 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records New Mexico asks for: immunization records. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

New Mexico homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in New Mexico?

Notify the Public Education Department (online or by mail) within 30 days of starting, then every year by August 1.

How many days do you have to homeschool in New Mexico?

The same number of days as your local public schools, generally 180.

What subjects are required in New Mexico?

Reading, language arts, math, social studies and science.

Does New Mexico require testing for homeschoolers?

None required.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in New Mexico?

A high school diploma or GED.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for New Mexico and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states