Ready, Set...

Go Home School! 

Seriously though, in our town, it's either home school or school at home (online), for at least the first eight weeks! If you are planning to opt out of the public school option this year and take the plunge into full home school, this article is for you!

Since there are so many new home schoolers this year, remember: in the great state of New Mexico, parents are required to notify the state of the intent to home school either by August 1 or within 30 days of establishing a new home school. This includes any child, kindergarten and up (if they turn five before September 1). See more details about homeschooling requirements in New Mexico here. 

You can register online at the Public Education Department Website or you can print out a form to mail in (we recommend registering the letter and keep the receipt for your records, if you choose to mail your form).

Remember to OPT OUT of the NM Statewide Unique Identifier if you do not want your child numbered and tracked by the PED. This numbering system was invented for parents opting to utilize part-time public school resources, but it is pointless and potentially intrusive if you are not. If you ever do decide to utilize public school part-time resources, you will be given a number then, so there is no need whatsoever to allow for the extra tracking measures before/until it's necessary.

I was chatting this week with a lady who was one of the pioneer home school mamas in New Mexico, back when they were fighting to make home schooling legal and recognized by the state. She's a grandma now, (nursing her very ill husband; you might pray for them!) and she is very active in her grandkids' education even now. Our conversation reminded me what a gift of God that we have, with the freedom to disciple our children at home in this way. We know not everyone has the vocation to home school, but we are so grateful for the way God has provided for those of us who are given this calling (and we do think it's a calling of the Lord!). The fact that we have freedom from extensive government oversight in New Mexico truly is a blessing from God. 

A few years ago the PED attempted to implement a more intrusive oversight system (a purely bureaucratic measure, without congressional action or approval!) but thanks to the Christian Association of Parent Educators (CAPE) and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the pioneering work of so many individuals and families, the system is now an additional option for parents, not a requirement. Check out those great organizations for information and resources on home school (another great organization for resources, though not NM specific, is CHEC, Christian Home Educators of Colorado! If you have any questions, definitely feel free to comment below!

So, don't forget to inform the state, and have a very blessed year!