Catholic Homeschooling in New Mexico

How to Homeschool in New Mexico

It is simple to start homeschooling in New Mexico:

1. Schooling is required for ages 5-18.

2. You must have at least a high school diploma or a GED to homeschool legally.

3. Notification to the state superintendent is required within 30 days of your homeschooling start and then by August 1st of each year. 

4. You should teach for at least 180 days.

5. Cover the required subjects of reading. language arts, math, social studies, and science. 

6. Maintain immunization records or obtain a waiver for religious or medical reasons. 

New Mexico Public Department of Education Home School Information
The NMPED Home School System is the online database where families can notify the NMPED of the enrollment and disenrooment of children in home schooling. Find more information in this list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) prepared by the NMPED. 

How to Comply with New Mexico’s Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in New Mexico
Special Education Provisions for New Mexico
The Importance of Recordkeeping in New Mexico

Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena. 

Christian Association of Parent Educators – NM (CAPE-NM)
This non-profit organization is dedicated to informing, encouraging, and supporting homeschooling families in New Mexico. They provide information and assistance to both new and veteran homeschoolers. They host an annual convention in Albuquerque, CAPE at the Capitol day, and other events. They monitor legislation and inform member families of issues that could affect homeschool rights in the state of New Mexico. 

Catholic Homeschool Support Groups

Corpus Christi Catholic Home Educators
Albuquerque, NM and surrounding areas, including Rio Rancho and the East Mountains
Corpus Christi Catholic Home Educators is an association of lay faithful established to promote homeschooling among Catholic families and to support those families who are engaged in providing their children’s primary education at home. They offer feast day and saint celebrations, picnics, history fair, May Crowning, youth group, chess club, field trips, and parent meetings. 

Home School Association for Catholics
Albuquerque area, including Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Edgewood, and Albuquerque
This is a Catholic home school association offering support and resources to homeschooling families through a co-op, activities, and fellowship opportunities in the greater Albuquerque area. 

Sancta Familia Homeschoolers
New Mexico
This is an association of lay faithful in the state of New Mexico established to promote homeschooling among Catholic families and to support parish-based and smaller community-based homeschool groups. 

Catholic Homeschool Co-ops

Home School Association for Catholics
Albuquerque area, including Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Edgewood, and Albuquerque
This is a Catholic home school association offering support and resources to homeschooling families through a co-op, activities, and fellowship opportunities in the greater Albuquerque area. 

St. Jude Home School Co-op
Albuquerque, NM
St. Jude Homeschool Co-op is a homeschool ministry that offers support, counsel, service opportunities, social events, and academic opportunities for member families. They meet once a week at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Albuquerque. 

Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies

Catholic Schoolhouse
Albuquerque, NM
Catholic Schoolhouse is a supplemental program designed to help homeschool families enrich their educational experience through a flexible approach to learning inspired by classical elements presented in a structure environment. They serve students in grades K-8 and meet once a week during the school year. 

Catholic Homeschool Conferences

The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024

This virtual conference features topics covering homeschool guidance, marriage and family, and character and virtue development. Speakers include Bishop Joseph Strickland, Emily Brown, Bonnie Landry, and more. There will also be a homeschool graduate panel. The Catholic Homeschool Directory is a virtual exhibitors hall. You can browse through curriculum, programs, tools, and businesses who support your family’s homeschool journey.

Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference
Most Precious Blood, Denver, CO
July 12-13, 2024

This annual conference is independent and local, bringing in speakers from around the country. Featured speakers for 2023 include Maureen Wittmann of Homeschool Connections, Kerri Davison of Holy Heroes, Sara Masarik, and Ana Braga-Henebry. Conference attendees can browse through the vendors hall, go to workshops and talks, and network with other homeschoolers.

Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers

Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here. 

Sports for Homeschoolers

New Mexico Public Department of Education – Participation of Homeschool Children in Sports
The local public school district is required to allow home school students to participate in sports and extracurricular activities if they meet certain requirements. Participating part-time in courses at the local school is at the discretion of the district. If the district has a policy that allows home school students to participate, your child would need to enroll with his/her/their assigned STARS ID – and would likely be considered a part-time student, funded by the state proportionately. For sports and extracurricular activities, please contact the New Mexico Activities Association at 505-821-1887.

Public School Access for Homeschoolers in New Mexico
A home school student is eligible to participate in three school district athletic activities at the public school in the attendance zone in which the student resides, according to the New Mexico activities association guidelines. The school district shall verify each home school student’s academic eligibility to participate in school district athletic activities. Public school access includes participation in classes, sports, and activities. 

Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here. 

Shrines & Pilgrimages in New Mexico

Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here. 

Providing support, resources, connections, and wisdom to Catholic homeschooling parents 

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