Cuts. Caps. Closures. That’s the future of virtual education in New Mexico if HB 253 passes.

New Mexico State lawmakers introduced House Bill 253 on Friday, which will fundamentally change and severely restrict virtual schooling in New Mexico.

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Why HB 253 Is So Dangerous

HB 253 is not a small tweak; it’s a full rewrite of New Mexico’s virtual learning law that creates new barriers designed to shrink or eliminate virtual education options.

If passed, HB 253 would:

• Allow the Public Education Department (PED) to deny programs outright, even if families depend on them (yes, that includes even existing programs)
• Require PED approval every single year for virtual programs — with no appeals and no due process (and no family input!)
• Block enrollment growth and prevent new students from enrolling in virtual programs.
• Cut off funding for programs that use third-party vendors.
• Restrict access for K–5 students, even when virtual learning is what works best for them

Virtual public schools serve students whose needs are not met by one-size-fits-all systems. This includes rural and geographically isolated students, those with medical needs or disabilities, working families, and students who have experienced bullying, chronic absenteeism, or credit loss.

For many, virtual learning is not a preference—it is a lifeline. Eliminating these schools would reduce access, equity, and opportunity for New Mexico students who depend on flexible, high-quality public education.

We asked New Mexico parents, students, and teachers to share why virtual learning works well for them. These are just a few of the stories we received.‍

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A Teacher’s Perspective: “Virtual school is not a convenience…it is a lifeline."

“I have been part of virtual education in New Mexico since 2018. I began as a classroom teacher who was burned out and questioning whether I could continue in education at all. What I found in virtual learning changed not only my career, but my understanding of what school can be for students and families.

The connections I have built with students and parents in virtual education are unlike anything I experienced before. In a virtual setting, relationships are intentional. We see each other every day, live on camera. We talk. We laugh. We check in. And most importantly—we learn together. Socialization is not missing here; it is happening in meaningful, supportive ways that many of our students never experienced in their previous schools.

Virtual education is essential in a rural state like New Mexico. I have worked with students who would otherwise spend three hours a day riding a bus just to attend school. I have taught students with serious medical conditions, students undergoing cancer treatment, and students with immune-compromised family members who simply cannot risk in-person attendance. Virtual school is not a convenience for these families—it is a lifeline.

I have also seen virtual learning serve students who were failed elsewhere. Students who were bullied for their identity—LGBTQ+ students, students who express themselves differently, students who were targeted for being “different”—found safety and belonging in virtual school. I’ve taught students who had babies at 12 years old and were pushed out or bullied until they stopped showing up. In virtual learning, they were able to finish school. I’ve worked with students who were removed from their home districts and told they had no options left. For many of them, virtual school was the last door still open.

‍Academically, I’ve seen what is possible when parents are true partners. In virtual education, parents know what their children are learning. They see the lessons, the expectations, and the progress. I have had students come to me unable to read, disengaged, and convinced they couldn’t learn. With the right supports, personalized instruction, and strong family collaboration, those same students made progress and regained confidence.

Virtual learning also supports real life. I’ve taught students training at elite levels in gymnastics, students caring for younger siblings, and students balancing family responsibilities no traditional schedule could accommodate. Flexibility does not lower expectations—it allows students to meet them.

Virtual education is not a replacement for brick-and-mortar schools. It is an essential public school option. Removing or limiting virtual learning would disproportionately harm rural families, medically fragile students, students who have experienced bullying, and families who already face inequities in education.

These students matter. Their stories matter. And virtual education in New Mexico must be protected—because for many of our children, it is the reason they are still learning, still hopeful, and still moving forward.”‍

Kelley (Teacher)
Texico, NM

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Student View: Why Virtual Learning Works

“I used to feel really stressed about my bullies and teachers at my old school. Now, I don't have to worry about bullies anymore, and the teachers are really helpful. Learning is much easier for me, and I can get straight A's. Last year, I had so much homework that I would be up until 9 PM just trying to finish it all because I was always behind. But now, I can get all my homework done before 4 PM. My friends from last year didn't want to play with me after school. I really love NMDCA because I have friends who want to hang out with me after school, there are no bullies, and the teachers actually care about me. I really hope I can stay at this school for all of high school.”

A student from Bloomfield

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Flexibility in a Rural Environment

“My family initially chose to go virtual after the Pandemic of 2020. Not only was Connections Academy more equipped to handle the virtual aspect of education, but we found that the curriculum was also more challenging and met the needs of our children better. We have now been with Connections for over 5 years. Not only are my kids thriving, they are excelling. Both of my kids are testing well above grade level and are more than prepared to advance to college level.

We live in a rural community that allows my children to not only help with farming our land, but also participate in Junior High and High School Rodeo without issue. They both have straight As and Connections allows us the flexibility to do school work from the road if needed to make sure they stay on track with their academics.

‍We hope that you take into consideration the advantages and benefits of virtual charter schools. Before the pandemic, we were seriously considering home school for our kids. We love the fact that our children have the benefit of wonderful teachers and support from home so that their extracurriculars do not get in the way of their education. We've also found while participating in education from home, there was a significant about of wasted time in brick and mortar schools. My children have enjoyed the self-paced learning of virtual school and we've found they are more efficient and successful in this environment. There are less distractions and their ability to focus on their education has increased significantly.

As a family that has worked in the local school district, I can say I will not feel safe sending my children back to brick and mortar public school. Not only will they not be challenged academically, but their safety and well being will not be guaranteed like it is now.”

Abby (Parent)
Belen, NM

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From Struggling to Soaring: A Turnaround Story

“My son previously attended Albuquerque High. He struggled significantly in that setting. He was skipping classes, failing courses, and ultimately became involved with the juvenile court system. A judge ordered that he be placed in a different educational environment.

We attempted to transfer within APS, but were told that transfers only occur during limited windows. APS failed to provide an educational setting that met my son’s needs under IDEA and FAPE. The traditional classroom environment simply did not work for his learning disabilities.

In October 2025, we enrolled him in Pecos Cyber Academy. The change has been life-changing. [My son] is now caught up on all of his credits, on track to graduate, and has a 3.8 GPA. For the first time, he is motivated, engaged, and hopeful about his future.

Virtual education did not harm my child — it saved his education.”

Cherish (Parent)
Albuquerque