This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in New Mexico  

New Mexico does not have a state policy on acceleration. Local education agencies (LEAs) determine whether and to what extent acceleration is permitted.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergartenState policy does not permit. Students must be at least 5 years old on or before September 1 in order to be a "qualified student" who earns state funding. Local districts may choose to admit a student who does not meet these requirements, but they will not be able to count him or her for funding purposes.
Early entrance to 1st gradeNo state policy; up to LEA to determine. For one example of a LEA policy on enrollment in kindergarten and early entrance to 1st grade, see the information on the Albuquerque Public Schools website.
Whole-grade accelerationThe Technical Assistance Manual for Gifted Education in New Mexico outlines a wide array of accelerative options to be used in meeting the needs of students of various ages. Whole Grade Acceleration is among the individual services to be provided to students, and the decision is made by the IEP team.
Early high school graduationNew Mexico outlines Graduation Requirements and it seems that students who meet all state and local requirements would be permitted to graduate early.
Early entrance to collegeNew Mexico does offer Early College High School as an option.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityState policy specifically permits. New Mexico's dual enrollment policies are outlined in Dual Credit
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

No state policy; up to LEA to determine.
Advanced Placement®State policy permits. More information is available at the Advanced Placement page.
Talent Search

There is no in-state Talent Search for New Mexico, but gifted students in NM can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Center for Bright Kids Western Academic Talent Search (WATS).

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

No state policy; up to LEA to determine.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information


New Mexico Public Education Department
New Mexico Association for the Gifted

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2018-2019 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.