Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute (RGPI) is an alternative high school based in Mesilla, New Mexico. As of 2024, the school serves 144 students. The school is under the jurisdiction 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 ohmage to four major figures in Las Cruces Public Schools, including former superintendent Karen Trujillo and former Las Cruces High School principal Jim Hendee.

In 2023 Las Cruces High School principal Michelle Ronga was brought in, a position still held by her as of July 2024.

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.