Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is an alternative high school in Mesilla, New Mexico. As of 2024, the school serves 144 students. The school is a part of Las Cruces Public Schools.

History

RGPI was once host to the public library of Mesilla from 2012 to 2014, when the school forced the closure due to security concerns. In 2021, the gymnasium was painted with an homage to four major figures in Las Cruces Public Schools, including former superintendent Karen Trujillo and former Las Cruces High School principal Jim Hendee.
Michelle Ronga was appointed principal of the school in January 2023. Julie Maestas has been principal since July 2023.

School Structure

As an alternative high school, RGPI differs from standard high schools in their methods of teaching. RGPI reduces teacher-student ratios, focusing on one-on-one interactions, meant to foster creativity and original thinking.

Demographics

As of the 2023–24 school year, RGPI has 144 students enrolled, with an average teacher-student ratio of 16–1. Ethnically, 86.1% of students are Hispanic, 10.4% is White, 2.1% are African-American, and 1.4% are of other ethnic groups.