Under the New Mexico Public School Code, the right of parents to home-school their children is recognized. "Home School" is defined as the operation by a parent, legal guardian, or other person having custody of a school-age person who instructs a home study program that provides a basic academic educational program, including but not limited to reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Home School Parents are required to: (1) notify in writing, the Secretary of Education of the establishment of a home school; (2) maintain records of student immunization; and (3) possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. It is the intention of the Public Education Department to communicate more positively with the home school community, and the purpose of this manual is to assist parents, legal guardians, and local school districts to understand the application procedures in a more user-friendly approach. Local school districts are responsible for ensuring that all school children are enrolled in some type of educational program; the Public Education Department is responsible for ensuring that home school children are being home schooled until at least age 17. The Department provides a list of the names and ages of the children that are enrolled in a home school program to the local superintendent within each school district.