| Rio Grande Preparatory Institute | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
2355 Avenida de Mesilla Mesilla , Dona Ana , New Mexico 88046 United States | |
| Coordinates | 32°16′31″N106°47′37″W / 32.27528975650192°N 106.79351855457419°W |
| Information | |
| Principal | Julie Maestas |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 144 |
| Website | https://rgpi.lcps.net/ |
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute (RGPI) is an alternative high school [1] in Mesilla, New Mexico. As of 2024, the school serves 144 students. [2] The school is a part of Las Cruces Public Schools.
RGPI was once host to the public library of Mesilla from 2012 to 2014, when the school forced the closure due to security concerns. [3] 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. [4]
Michelle Ronga was appointed principal of the school in January 2023. [5] Julie Maestas has been principal since July 2023. [6]
As an alternative high school, RGPI differs from standard high schools in their methods of teaching. [7] RGPI reduces teacher-student ratios, focusing on one-on-one interactions, meant to foster creativity and original thinking. [1]
As of the 2023–24 school year, RGPI has 144 students enrolled, with an average teacher-student ratio of 16–1. [2] Ethnically, 86.1% of students are Hispanic, 10.4% is White, 2.1% are African-American, and 1.4% are of other ethnic groups. [2]