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.
Serving 46 students in grades 9-12, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 1:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 46 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 47% (Btm 50% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute's student population of 46 students has declined by 74% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 181% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
46 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Grit Then Glory
School Rankings
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#686 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
1:1
13:1
Hispanic
76%
63%
Black
2%
2%
White
22%
19%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)47%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Golden Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rio Grande Preparatory Institute's ranking?
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is ranked #686 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What schools are Rio Grande Preparatory Institute often compared to?
Rio Grande Preparatory Instituteis often viewed alongside schools like Organ Mountain High School, Santa Teresa High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?
The graduation rate of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is 47%, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 66%.
How many students attend Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?
46 students attend Rio Grande Preparatory Institute.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has a student ration of 1:1, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Rio Grande Preparatory Institute offer ?
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rio Grande Preparatory Institute part of?
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is part of Las Cruces School District.
School Reviews
Review Rio Grande Preparatory Institute. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
