| Location: | 2355 Avenida de Mesilla |
| City: | Mesilla |
| County: | Dona Ana |
| State: | New Mexico |
| Zipcode: | 88046 |
| Country: | United States |
| Coordinates: | 32.27528975650192, -106.79351855457419 |
| Principal: | Michelle Ronga |
| Grades: | 9-12 |
| Enrollment: | 144 |
| Website: | https://rgpi.lcps.net/ |
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute (RGPI) is an alternative high school[1] based 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 ohmage to four major figures in Las Cruces Public Schools, including former superintendent Karen Trujillo and former Las Cruces High School principal Jim Hendee.[4]
In 2023 Las Cruces High School principal Michelle Ronga was brought in, a position still held by her as of July 2024.[5]
As an alternative high school, RGPI differs from standard high schools in their methods of teaching.[6] 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. Ethnically, 86.1% of students are Hispanic, 10.4% is White, 2.1% are African-American, and 1.4% are of other ethnic groups.