Starting a Private School in New Mexico
Regulations, Resources, & Support
New Mexico State Regulations
General Regulations
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Accreditation by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is optional. Licensing, approval, and registration are not required.
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The US Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools in New Mexico.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in New Mexico.
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The New Mexico Public Education Department defines a “home school” as a home study program of instruction operated by a parent, guardian, or other person having custody and control of a school-age person that provides a basic academic educational program.
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The New Mexico PED has no published requirements for school insurance -- consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
New Mexico does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
The state has the authority to approve courses of instruction but doesn't have any specific requirements.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
There's no policy on teacher certification for private schools.
Food Services / Lunch
In New Mexico, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Public Education Department.
Length of School Year
Students must attend school for the same amount of time that school is in session in the district in which they reside.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must report on the immunization status of all students and track and report on attendance issues.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must be immunized or provide documentation of medical or religious exemptions. Fire drills must take place once per month.
Transportation
No state policy exists.
Testing
There is no state policy on testing.
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New Mexico State Resources
State & Regional Associations
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Quick Guide Nav
We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
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