Guide to Homeschooling in New Mexico

Resources

Louisiana Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Detailed information regarding the legal requirements to homeschool in New Mexico is provided by the New Mexico Public Education Department. A summary of these laws is available from the Home School Legal Defense Association.

RECORD KEEPING

New Mexico does not specifically require parents to keep homeschooling records. However, it is probably a good idea to maintain detailed reports about everything about each student’s education. Things like transcripts, progress reports, and course materials. These documents will make it easier if the student chooses to attend college or ever transfers back to their public or private school.

Power Homeschool’s online parent portal makes it easy to keep homeschooling records. Our program automatically generates transcripts and progress reports, and parents can download course materials.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN NEW MEXICO

New Mexico does not require homeschool students to participate in state standardized tests. Parents may request that their students take the Standards Based Assessments (SBA); however, superintendents can deny this request. Students can, however, participate in nationally normed standardized tests to evaluate their progress year to year. Additionally, students who are planning on attending college should take the ACT or SAT in high school.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN NEW MEXICO

In New Mexico, the parent is responsible for establishing their student’s homeschool graduation requirements. Once students fulfill these requirements, parents can issue homeschool diplomas or high school equivalence certificates. We recommend that the parent establishes these graduation requirements based on what their student plans to do after graduation. Most colleges, universities, and trade schools disclose their admissions policies for homeschool students. Beginning the discussion about what a student wants to do after graduation will ensure they are meeting these requirements throughout their high school studies.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in New Mexico

One of the most beneficial things that homeschoolers can do is to get involved in their state and local homeschool communities. Statewide homeschool associations are organizations that provide resources, offer legal advice, and sponsor events.

One of New Mexico’s largest homeschool associations is called the Christian Association of Parent Educators (CAPE-NM). The perks of becoming a member of this homeschool association include email alerts, information about upcoming events and suggested resources, and discounted HSLDA memberships.

In addition to a statewide homeschool association, New Mexico homeschoolers can join support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups allow families to connect with other homeschoolers in their area and share advice about homeschooling. These groups can either meet in person or communicate online, but either way, homeschool support groups can enhance home education and offer support for parents and students.

Homeschool co-ops are similar to support groups, but they exist to give homeschoolers group learning experiences, which build valuable skills like teamwork and communication. Parents typically take turns providing instruction or hire a tutor. Some homeschool co-ops focus on particular subjects or enrichment activities, while others are general or offer faith-lead studies.

Whatever your family is looking for, you are sure to find a homeschool support group or co-op that aligns with your needs. Many groups have Facebook pages or websites, making them easy to find online. However, here are a few examples to provide you an idea of the types of support available to New Mexico homeschoolers:

• Otero Count Home School Educators
• Sante Fe Homeschool Kids Club
• Homeschool Las Cruces and Southern Educators
• Los Alamos Homeschoolers
• Carlsbad New Mexico Homeschool Group
• Christian Homeschool Co-op
• Homeschoolers of Mesilla Valley
• Sierra Blanca Christian Academy

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano in Grants: This unique field trip allows students to learn about geology and landforms by exploring an ice cave and volcano. Families will have a full day of activities with touring the galleries, participating in gem mining, and visiting the trading post.
• Aztec Ruins National Park in Aztec: Although named after the Aztec civilization, these ruins actually belonged to the Pueblo community. Students can explore the ruins to learn about what life was like centuries ago.
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque: Exploring the halls of exhibits will allow students to learn about the science and natural history of the region. Complete with a theater and planetarium, families will find a lot to do at this museum.
• National Hispanic Culture Center in Albuquerque: Located on the Rio Grande, this cultural center allows visitors to learn about the Hispanic culture and history of the area. In addition to permanent and temporary exhibits, families can attend workshops, special events, and more.
• Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos: Exploring this land will allow students to learn about the diverse ecosystems, wildlife species, and history of the ancestral Pueblo people that inhabited the land more than 10,000 years ago.
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe: With nine galleries and numerous family programs, this museum allows students to learn about the world-famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Young artists will be inspired by her paintings, drawings, watercolors, and pastels.
• New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe: New Mexico homeschoolers can learn about the history and culture of the state. The museum’s exhibits showcase the history of indigenous tribes, Spanish colonization, the Santa Fe Trail, and much more.
• Mesalands CC Dinosaur Museum in Tucumcari: Housing both replicated and original fossils, this museum is a great field trip for students to learn about paleontology and geology. The museum also features sculptures, paintings, and a children’s activity center.
• Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio: Homeschoolers can explore wildlife species that are native to the region, including birds that fly south for winter. Free guided tours and nature trails are available, as well.