Getting Started

Welcome to the IDEAL-NM site that explains PK-12 eLearning opportunities and how to access them. We encourage you to peruse the different web pages, and to contact us at any time to ask questions. You can click here for a complete staff list or you can call us at (505)827-4276.


Although we can work almost any arrangement to meet your eLearning needs, our basic model calls for schools to register students in an eLearning course taught from a distance by our highly-qualified New Mexico teachers. Schools provide a computer and Internet access to students, and the asynchronous courses can be accessed any time of the day.


To get started, schools should designate one person to serve as a local liaison—or site coordinator—for IDEAL-NM courses. The site coordinator can expect to spend a few hours per week when getting started, and approximately an hour a week thereafter, depending on the number of students involved.


The site coordinator is encouraged to contact IDEAL-NM (see above) to receive some basic information and training.
Smiling student in a computer lab.


A District/School Handbook can be accessed here. It provides comprehensive information for site coordinators, and details other school roles in facilitating student success in eLearning courses.


The quick-start process for schools and students is described below:

  1. Schools designate a site coordinator and complete/send a site coordinator registration form to the IDEAL-NM office via email or fax to (505) 383-2449.
  2. Site coordinators and other school staff members inform students and parents of eLearning course opportunities.
  3. Site coordinators register students using Maestro. For more information please contact Studentservices@idealnm.info
  4. Schools schedule daily time periods and computer access for students to work on their eLearning courses.
  5. Students start by clicking the "Go to Class" link at www.ideal-nm.org/p12.
  6. Highly-qualified IDEAL-NM teachers provide instruction via interactive Learning Management System.
  7. Schools are invoiced for applicable course fees--$200 per .5 credit course, per semester, per student for all courses except advanced placement courses which cost $250 per .5 credit course, per semester, per student
  8. Site coordinators and IDEAL-NM staff monitor student progress and facilitate any needed assistance.
  9. Schools transcript grades.

Reminder: IDEAL-NM serves all students including regular and special education, advanced, remedial, homeschool, and nonpublic school students.

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