Looking for an unbiased homeschool resource that doesn’t have a hidden agenda? You’ve come to the right place to learn how to homeschool in New Mexico.
To homeschool in New Mexico, a parent or guardian should become familiar with the state’s homeschooling laws and regulations. Families must decide on a curriculum that fits their needs and be prepared for the self-discipline required to maintain a robust academic schedule.
How to Homeschool in New Mexico
Homeschooling in New Mexico is regulated by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). Here are the steps you can follow to homeschool your child in New Mexico:
- Notify the PED of your intention to homeschool: You can do this by submitting a Notice of Intent to Homeschool form to the PED. This form can be found on the PED’s website.
- Create a homeschool program: Your homeschool program should include a curriculum that covers the subjects required by the PED, including math, science, social studies, and language arts. You can use a variety of resources to create your curricula, such as textbooks, online resources, and educational games.
- Keep records of your child’s progress: The PED requires that you keep records of your child’s academic progress, including grades and attendance records. You should also keep records of any assessments or evaluations you conduct.
- Administer standardized tests: The PED requires that homeschooled students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 take a standardized test each year. You can choose from a list of approved tests, which can also be found on the PED’s website.
- Submit an annual report: The PED requires that you submit an annual report detailing your child’s academic progress. This report should include grades, attendance records, and any standardized test scores.
It’s important to note that homeschooling laws can vary by state, so it’s always a good idea to check with your state’s education department for the most up-to-date information on homeschooling requirements.
Free New Mexico Homeschool Programs
Families in New Mexico have access to numerous free homeschooling programs, including online curricula and support groups, field trips, and various extracurricular activities, so that they can create ideal learning plans for their kids.
These programs cater to the specific needs of homeschoolers in New Mexico, allowing them to learn at their own speed from the convenience of their homes.
Our programs are tailored to each age and adapted from nearby school district curricula, led by certified teachers and mentors.
Parents are provided with a range of options when it comes to their children’s development, such as tests, scholarships, and other opportunities that can help them in this journey.
Parents looking for help with homeschooling their child in New Mexico should check out the New Mexico Public Education Department for more resources.
A fantastic resource to look into is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They have helpful information about homeschooling laws in New Mexico, as well as webinars and useful articles to guide parents regarding homeschooling.
Between 2019 to 2020, the percentage of homeschooled students changed from 3.4% to 9%.
Does Homeschool Have to be Accredited in New Mexico?
In order to build a successful homeschool program in New Mexico, it is important to know what kind of accreditation is necessary. Although the state has
In New Mexico, students who are homeschooled may take assessment and standards tests annually. Under specific conditions, parents of homeschoolers may pursue accreditation through a private school or distance learning program.
In New Mexico, giving quality education is the key to a successful homeschool program.
67% of the homeschooled students successfully graduate from college.
New Mexico Accredited Homeschool Programs
To be accredited, a homeschool must provide evidence of enrollment and attendance, keep grades records, administer state-approved yearly assessments, have an educator with a minimum high school diploma or its equivalent, and stay updated on any mandated changes in curriculum.
Private school programs accredited by the state must outline their admission policies to ensure they abide by compulsory attendance regulations.
By enrolling their children in an accredited homeschool, parents can provide them with a high-quality education from the comfort of home.
Create a Designated Learning Place
Homeschoolers should have a specific area set aside for learning, to help establish a daily routine and provide an environment where their child can concentrate on schoolwork.
A dining table is an ideal spot for studying. It’s easily cleared off at the end of each day which allows it to be used for eating as well.
You can also provide your child with their own desk in their bedroom for added privacy and the opportunity to decorate it. Whatever you decide, be sure to create an environment that helps them focus on learning.
Over 300 million students were homeschooled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay On Track with a Daily Schedule
Sticking to a daily schedule for homeschooling has many advantages; here are some of them:
- Establishing a daily routine can help homeschoolers prioritize tasks, complete more in less time, and improve productivity. Families with multiple students or other outside commitments may particularly benefit from this strategy.
- Effective time management begins with planning. A daily schedule makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be done and when, and prevents feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Allocating specific blocks of time to tasks can help your family stay organized.
- Homeschooling can provide a sense of structure and regularity, especially beneficial for kids accustomed to attending a traditional school. This can make them feel safer and more prepared to learn.
- Families can benefit from daily schedules to stay accountable and meet their homeschooling objectives. This is important for those who tend to be easily distracted or delay their tasks.
- Having a daily schedule in place can facilitate better communication among family members, helping to avoid misunderstandings and building a stronger bond between them.
Ease Into It
Homeschooling for new parents can be a big shift, so it’s crucial to not apply excessive pressure from the start. It is best to ease into this transition and move forward at a steady pace.
Homeschooling parents can begin with just a few basic supplies and then build on their resources as they get more confident with the homeschooling process.
When it comes to homeschooling, there are numerous options, so you should find one that works best for your family. Don’t be afraid to venture out and experiment with different techniques; the less stressed you feel, the more successful your learning experience is likely to be.
Regardless of the educational level of their parents, homeschooled students score between 80% and 90%.
Involve Your Child in Setting Learning Goals
Involving your child in homeschool assignment planning and curriculum scheduling is important for several reasons:
- Offering students a sense of importance and ownership in their education will provide them with motivation and boost engagement.
- Involving them in the homeschool process will help them feel that they are part of it, rather than it being done to them.
- Getting your child involved in the homeschooling decision-making will give you a better understanding of their likes, talents, and shortcomings; allowing you to modify the learning environment to better accommodate them.
Generally, having your kid involved in homeschooling planning is key to a successful experience for everyone.
Explore Other Ways of Learning Outside the Classroom
Homeschooled kids have an advantage as they can explore many educational possibilities not found in a regular school. This helps them gain a diverse range of knowledge and experience, resulting in a more comprehensive education.
In many cases, homeschoolers benefit from strong connections in the community. These relationships can open doors to new learning opportunities, such as classes and workshops taught by experts or members of the community.
Parents who homeschool their children should seize these chances to broaden their kids’ education.
Homeschooling families can give their children a very enriching education by exploring different learning techniques.
Reach Out to Other Homeschool Families
Homeschooling can be difficult, especially for families without a support system. Luckily, there are various ways to make connections with other homeschoolers and build a community. One way is by connecting with local homeschooling organizations.
Homeschool groups can provide emotional support, practical advice from experienced homeschoolers, and opportunities for field trips and social interactions.
Joining an online forum or Facebook group is an excellent way to network with other homeschool parents.
Joining a parenting group can be helpful for exchanging resources, asking questions, and obtaining advice from parents who have the same experiences.
Making connections with other homeschooling families can help parents lessen the feeling of isolation and build a supportive environment for their kids.
When educated at home rather than in public schools, boys do 44% better on reading examinations.
Can Homeschooled Students Play Sports in New Mexico?
HSLDA states that homeschooled students in New Mexico are allowed to take part in three activities from their local school district, provided they meet the educational requirements.
Homeschooled participants in district activities are entitled to the same privileges and obligations as all other students engaged in those activities.
Students must follow the guidelines set by both the school district and the activity organization.
Homeschooled students have the chance to take part in sports and other activities they wouldn’t normally get to experience through this fantastic opportunity.
Participating in school district activities enables your child to socialize with classmates and build relationships. If you have queries regarding your child’s eligibility, please reach out to your local educational institution.
How to Homeschool When Both Parents Work
New Mexico parents who opt to homeschool their children have to be creative with balancing work and school, as it is a difficult task.
With some ingenuity, it’s possible to work and homeschool at the same time. Let’s examine some pointers to help you achieve it.
Prior to February 2020, just 68% of parents who had homeschooled their children said it had been a success.
Get Your Childcare Involved
Some parents are lucky enough to have assistance in homeschooling while they’re away at work due to childcare.
When it’s not achievable or budget-friendly for all households, one should think outside the box to devise a plan that fits everyone’s needs.
Delegate Chores
Involving your children in household tasks is an effective method to reduce the strain you may be facing between work and homeschooling. It also provides them with an opportunity to learn about responsibility.
It’s prudent to be mindful of your child’s abilities. A five-year-old probably won’t be able to do the laundry, but they can lend a hand with things like dusting or laying the table.
As they age, give your children more chores. By involving them in household tasks, you can reduce your work while teaching them essential life skills.
Before the epidemic, 69% of homeschooled children expressed a desire to continue their studies in this manner for the upcoming school year.
You and Your Spouse Work Alternate Shifts
Balancing homeschooling with both parents working can be difficult, especially if you and your partner have alternating shifts. Here are some strategies to help make it work:
- It’s important to organize your week in advance by creating a schedule that includes all of your work hours and other responsibilities. This will help you plan effectively for homeschooling.
- Make use of online materials: Utilizing online components like lesson plans, videos, and virtual excursions can be a great way to supplement your kid’s schooling when you are not able to be with them in person.
- Be flexible with your homeschooling: If your daytime commitments don’t make 9 to 3 schooling feasible, think outside the box. For instance, you can do lessons at night or at the weekend. Or, break up the day into shorter chunks of time for educational activities.
- Ask for assistance: Don’t be scared to look for support when you need it. This could involve employing a tutor or nanny to aid with home-based instruction while you are busy, or requesting the aid of relatives and friends.
- Homeschoolers should be aware that it’s okay to take breaks. Finding a balance between work and homeschooling will help ensure that commitments are met on both fronts.
Homeschooling can be a tricky task if both parents are working. But it can be done with the right amount of planning and creativity, making it an enriching experience for the whole family.
Take Advantage of Online Curriculums
Homeschooling is a great option to personalize your child’s education, yet it can be difficult to fit work and school into one schedule. To make it easier, why not opt for an online curriculum?
Structured learning programs can assist your child in their development and ensure concentration while you are away.
Furthermore, online learning can be tailored to your child’s individual requirements, making it convenient to discover a course that suits their distinctive learning approach.
In their children’s upcoming academic year, 54% of parents who were homeschooling before February 2020 were likely to do so full-time.
Assign the Child Solo Activities to Do While You’re at Work
Parents in New Mexico who teach their kids at home must find ways to keep their children entertained while they are working. One way is to assign independent curriculum projects.
Tasks such as reading assignments, research projects, and math and writing exercises may be included.
It’s essential to select activities that are suitable for your child’s age and skill level.
If your child attends childcare, ask your provider to remind them to complete their homeschooling tasks daily.
Proper planning can help your child become independent and accomplish tough tasks during the workday.
Allow Yourself Flexibility and Grace
Balancing a job and homeschooling can be difficult for parents, so it’s vital to give yourself some leniency and kindness while managing these duties.
Striving for perfection is an unattainable goal that can lead to disappointment. Focus on the successes, no matter how small, and congratulate yourself on your achievements.
Keep in mind that your kids are observing you, and will take after you. By displaying a positive outlook and openness to change, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Balancing work and homeschooling can be difficult, but it also presents an excellent opportunity to impart valuable lessons to your children. Show them how to be adaptable and graceful in any situation, setting them up for victory down the line.
The typical cost of homeschooling is between $350-$750 per year for the parent(s).
New Mexico Homeschool Curriculum Requirements
In New Mexico, homeschooling parents are able to choose their own curriculum but must guarantee that their children receive instruction in all basic subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and physical education.
Homeschooling allows families to tailor their curriculum around areas of interest and different learning styles, providing them with a great degree of flexibility.
Furthermore, parents can customize the curriculum to suit the needs of their children. Thus, homeschooling is an excellent choice for educating the children of New Mexico.
Letter of Intent to Homeschool in New Mexico
In New Mexico, parents who want to educate their children at home need to submit a Homeschool Letter of Intent. The letter tells the local school district about the parent’s plan for homeschooling their child and provides other crucial details.
In New Mexico, the Letter of Intent to Homeschool facilitates the provision of superior education for all children, whether they attend public school or are educated at home.
Upon submitting this document, parents are pledging to provide their children with an excellent education as well as aiding all New Mexico students to thrive.
The federal government saves $24 billion in taxpayer money thanks to homeschooling.
Is the New Mexico Homeschool Curriculum Free?
In New Mexico, an increasing number of households are opting to homeschool their children. The cost of a curriculum and supplies ranks high among the worries of these families. Fortunately, they can access free homeschool curricula and resources online.
With a basic online search, you will find many websites that provide free homeschool materials, like lesson plans, worksheets, and whole curricula.
Numerous educational institutions can provide homeschooling families with discounts or complimentary memberships.
You can homeschool your children without spending a lot of money by investing time and effort.
How Much Does It Cost to Homeschool in New Mexico?
Homeschooling may appear expensive but there are various options to save on costs, such as getting curriculum for free or at a discounted price.
One can obtain pre-used lesson plans online or at nearby homeschooling events.
Furthermore, homeschoolers often opt to design their own curriculum which is often less costly than buying a commercially available program.
Don’t forget to budget for extracurricular activities. Investing in activities like sports can be expensive, but there are many free or affordable alternatives, like joining scouts or 4-H clubs.
With proper budgeting and utilizing affordable resources, homeschooling your children can be done without going over budget.
A safe environment was cited as the main motivation by 50% of parents who homeschool their children.
How Many Days Are Required for Homeschool in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, parents who choose to homeschool their children are required to provide 180 days of instruction. This can be done in a variety of ways, but most parents elect to follow a traditional school calendar, with instruction taking place from August to May.
Some parents choose year-round schooling, which allows for more flexibility in the schedule.
However, all parents must ensure that their children receive the equivalent of a full-time education.
New Mexico Homeschool Record Keeping
The State of New Mexico requires that all homeschooling families keep a portfolio of their students’ work. This portfolio must include a log of all the instructional hours for the year, as well as samples of the student’s work in various subjects.
While this may seem like a lot of work, there are several important reasons for keeping good records.
It provides documentation of the educational progress made by each student. This can be important if the family ever needs to prove to the state that their child is receiving a quality education.
Additionally, it can help identify any areas where the student may be struggling and needs additional assistance.
Well-kept records can be a valuable resource when planning future homeschooling years, as they can provide insights into what approaches have been successful in the past.
For all these reasons, it is important for New Mexico homeschooling families to take the time to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
Here are some things that are important to keep a record of during the homeschooling years:
- Test results
- Samples of your student’s academic work
- Documentation of the type of curriculum being provided to your child
- Dialog with state and/or school officials
- Attendance records
A good rule of thumb is to save these records for at least two years or longer if required.
Therefore, it is important for homeschoolers in New Mexico to keep careful records of their educational activities.
Test results, extracurricular activities, and socialization were mentioned as reasons for homeschooling by 14% of the parents.
New Mexico Homeschool Graduation Requirements
The state of New Mexico does not have a specific homeschooling requirement in place for a student to graduate. Graduation standards are set by the parents as the facilitators of their child’s education. Once the student accomplishes the expected milestones set forth by the parents, they will graduate.
New Mexico Homeschool Diploma
For homeschooled students in New Mexico, earning a diploma can be an even greater accomplishment. Homeschooled kids don’t have the structure of a regular school schedule, so they have to be self-motivated and disciplined to do well. A high school diploma is a symbol of hard work and dedication.
Earning a diploma shows that they have what it takes to set goals and achieve them.
In addition, a diploma for New Mexico homeschoolers can open up new opportunities, such as colleges and scholarships.
For homeschooled students, a high school diploma is an important milestone on the road to success.
As of February 2020, at least 9 million Americans had been homeschooled at least once.
How Does a Homeschooled Student Get a Diploma?
Parents in New Mexico who homeschool their children have the unique opportunity to be the sole provider of their child’s high school diploma. This means that they get to decide what criteria must be met in order for their child to earn the diploma.
Of course, parents will want to ensure that their child meets all the necessary requirements for graduation, such as taking required courses and passing exams.
However, they also have the freedom to tailor the curriculum to their child’s interests and learning style.
As a result, homeschooled students often emerge with a well-rounded education that prepares them well for success in college and beyond.
Before COVID-19, 42% of parents said they wished their kids had more freedom to pursue their hobbies.
Are Homeschool Diplomas Valid?
The homeschooling movement has been growing steadily in recent years, as more parents opt to educate their children at home. While homeschooling can provide a number of benefits, there is one potential drawback: homeschool diplomas may not be as recognized by colleges or employers.
Some institutions may require additional testing or coursework for homeschooled students, so students should be prepared to take some tests to show their level of academics.
It’s not uncommon whatsoever for homeschooled kids to be more academically advanced than their peers who attended a public school, so in the long run, homeschoolers are quite capable of holding the advantage.
However, it is important to note that homeschool diplomas are becoming increasingly common and should be accepted by most colleges and employers.
Disclaimer
Although the information in this article was researched with the utmost integrity and sincerity, it cannot be held legally liable or expected to take the place of legitimate legal advice for your specific situation.
Trina Greenfield, Author
SmackDown Media LLC
LinkedIn
About the Author:
Trina Greenfield, the owner of SmackDown Media LLC, is passionate about providing information to those considering their educational options. Trina is a seasoned writer, content creator, and website owner with a passion for unbiased research, educational platforms for children and adults, as well as all things family-related.