Who We Are

Dedicated to supporting and advocating for non-public schools throughout New Mexico and their communities.

Why We Exist

Promoting and defending the independence of NM private schools

NMANS works to ensure that non-public schools have the freedom to fulfill their unique missions and meet the diverse needs of students. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, NMANS continues to support the growth and success of non-public schools across the state.

Our History

Founded in 1973

NMANS was founded as an affiliate of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) to advocate for non-public schools in New Mexico. Over the years, NMANS has been supported by dedicated board members from various non-public schools across the state. The organization has typically employed a part-time Executive Director to guide its efforts, with past directors including Linda Honeyfield, John Foreman, and Bob Ippel. A significant milestone for NMANS came in 2018, when the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing textbook funding for non-public schools from the state legislature.

The purpose of NMANS

01

To defend and promote the right of diversity in education to correspond with our Nation’s heritage of pluralism, to the end that the welfare, spirit, and moral character of the whole society are enhanced in the process.

02

To assist all parents in their effort to maintain the right to exercise a free choice among schools for their children.

03

To provide a framework for communication and cooperation among the different types and groups of non-public schools, between non-public schools and their public school counterparts and between on-public schools and the State Department of Public Education and other state and federal agencies.