New Mexico Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide

Before you teach a single lesson, you must file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). This is a straightforward notification process—not an approval process. The state doesn’t approve or reject your plan; they simply log that you’re homeschooling.

This guide walks you through what to file, when, and exactly what information to include.

Key Takeaways

• File within 30 days of starting homeschool
• Use NMPED’s online notification system
• Annual renewal required by August 1
• No approval needed; notification only
• Get confirmation within 10 business days
• Keep confirmation for your records

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When to File

Initial Filing

File within 30 days of starting homeschool.

If you start September 1, file by September 30. If you start mid-year (January), file by January 30.

Annual Renewal

File by August 1 each year to continue homeschooling. This keeps your enrollment current for the upcoming school year.

What Happens If You Don’t File?

• Failure to file may trigger a requirement to enroll in public or private school
• NMPED will not take action immediately, but lack of notification creates compliance risk
• Always file on time and keep confirmation

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How to File: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Access NMPED’s Online System

Go to the NMPED online notification system (typically at the NMPED website under “Homeschool” or “Parent Information”).

Search for “NMPED homeschool notification” or contact your local school district for the direct link.

Note: New Mexico uses an online portal for all homeschool filings. You cannot file by mail or email; it must be online.

Step 2: Create an Account (First Time Only)

If you haven’t filed before:

• Click “New User” or “Register”
• Create username and password
• Provide your name, email, and contact information
• Verify email address
• Log in

Step 3: Complete the Notification Form

You’ll be asked for:

Student Information:

• Full name (as it appears on birth certificate or ID)
• Date of birth
• Current grade level (or “entering grade level” if starting in a new grade)
• STARS ID (if available; leave blank if new to homeschool)

Program Information:

• Name of homeschool (can be family name, e.g., “Smith Family Homeschool”)
• Start date of instruction
• Subjects to be taught (at minimum: reading, language arts, math, social studies, science)
• Instructional schedule (choose one):

– Days per week and hours per day (e.g., “5 days/week, 6 hours/day”)

– Total annual hours (e.g., “1,140 hours/year”)

– Days per year (e.g., “180 days/year”)

Instructor Information:

• Your name
• Relationship to student (parent/guardian)
• High school diploma or GED (confirmation that you hold one)
• Email and phone

Address:

• Current mailing address
• City, state, zip

Step 4: Submit & Confirm

Review all information for accuracy. Submit the form.

You’ll receive:

• Instant confirmation on screen
• Email confirmation within 24 hours
• NMPED confirmation within 10 business days

Save all confirmations. Keep them for your records and proof of filing.

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Sample Notice of Intent Information

Here’s what a typical filing looks like:

| Field | Example |

|——-|———|

| Student Name | Maria Elena Sanchez |

| DOB | January 15, 2015 |

| Grade Level | 3rd grade |

| School Name | Sanchez Family Homeschool |

| Start Date | August 15, 2026 |

| Subjects | Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science |

| Schedule | 5 days/week, 6 hours/day |

| Instructor | Robert Sanchez (Parent) |

| Diploma/GED | High School Diploma, 2010 |

| Contact | robert.sanchez@email.com, 505-555-1234 |

| Address | 1234 Mountain View Road, Albuquerque, NM 87110 |

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Multiple Students & Families

Filing for Multiple Children

If you’re homeschooling multiple children:

• File separate notices for each student
• Each child needs their own notification
• Use the same account/login (or create separate accounts—your choice)
• All children must be ages 5–18 and compulsory age
• Same start date and schedule is typical

Filing as Two Parents

If both parents are instructors:

• Only one account/notification is needed if both parents teach the same child
• List the primary instructor; note that the other parent assists
• Both parents should have HS diploma/GED
• You remain responsible for compliance

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Annual Renewal Process

Filing Your Renewal by August 1

Log back into your account. You’ll see an option to:

• Renew existing enrollment (update information as needed)
• Or file a new notification for the next school year

Click “Renew” (or file new). Update any information that changed:

• New grade level
• New schedule (if different)
• New address (if moved)
• New instructor (if change)

Submit. You’ll receive confirmation.

What Changes Require New Notification?

You must notify NMPED if:

• Student advances to a new grade level (annually)
• Major changes to schedule or subjects
• Student adds a new instructor
• Address changes

Minor adjustments (like switching from Saxon Math to a different curriculum) don’t require notification—your curriculum choices aren’t reported to the state.

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Troubleshooting Common Filing Issues

“I Can’t Access the Online System”

• Check that you’re on the official NMPED website (not a phishing site)
• Clear browser cache and cookies; try again
• Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
• Contact NMPED helpline for technical support
• Call your local school district for assistance

“I Missed the Deadline”

• File immediately even if late
• Don’t wait for next year; file as soon as you realize the miss
• Explain the delay when you call NMPED
• Persistent non-filing may trigger enforcement

“The System Asks for STARS ID but I Don’t Have One”

• If your child was never enrolled in public school, leave it blank
• If your child was previously enrolled, contact your former school for the STARS ID
• You may be able to proceed without STARS ID; the system will prompt you if required

“I’m Not Sure What Grade Level to List”

• List the grade your child will be during the school year (2026–2027 school year = that grade)
• If your child is advanced or works at multiple levels, choose the primary/core grade
• You don’t have to match traditional grade levels; homeschoolers often work at their own pace

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After Filing: What Happens Next?

NMPED Sends Confirmation

Within 10 business days, you’ll receive confirmation that your notice has been received and logged.

No Further Action Needed

You don’t need approval. You don’t submit curriculum. You don’t need to check in monthly. Simply teach and maintain your own attendance and progress records.

Keep Records Locally

NMPED doesn’t monitor daily teaching. You maintain:

• Attendance/hour logs (for your reference and proof of compliance)
• Curriculum records
• Progress documentation
• Assignments and assessments

Annual Renewal is Your Responsibility

Mark August 1 on your calendar each year. File renewal by that date.

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Key Takeaway

Filing your notice of intent is quick and painless. Do it online within 30 days of starting, renew annually by August 1, and keep confirmations. It’s the minimal paperwork New Mexico requires—and that’s by design. The state trusts parents to educate their children.

Next: New mexico homeschool requirements covers what to do after filing.