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 148 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 8:1 is lower than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 148 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- 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
School Overview
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute's student population of 148 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 72% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
148 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 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 0.31, 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
8:1
13:1
American Indian
2%
12%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
82%
62%
Black
3%
2%
White
13%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)47%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
74%
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?
148 students attend Rio Grande Preparatory Institute.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 3% of students are Black, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has a student ration of 8:1, 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.
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