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Average

#435 of 864 schools in NM

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

High School · LAS CRUCES

US HWY 28, Mesilla, NM 88046

Enrollment

148

Student-Teacher

7.8:1

Score

6.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Mexico schools

#435 of 864

In district

#24 of 39

LAS CRUCES

School environment

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

6.2/10

High School in Mesilla · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Las Cruces Academy

7.0/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Mesilla Elementary

6.5/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is a public high school in Mesilla, NM, part of LAS CRUCES. Rio Grande Preparatory Institute serves approximately 148 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 7.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #435 of 864 schools in NM.

Structured state assessment records for Rio Grande Preparatory Institute show 7% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 14% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 6.2
  • NM avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 148 students, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

At 7.8:1 students to teachers, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.94 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics3.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)19% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-9.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
College Readiness5.0Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate47%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio7.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,965

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute — Students at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

108.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NM EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 6.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 13.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 23 test records from NM state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2010
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2011
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2012
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2013
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
2.5%
2015
Math
10%
ELA
5%
2016
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2017
Math
10%
2018
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
10%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.5/10.

How Rio Grande Preparatory Institute Compares

See how Rio Grande Preparatory Institute performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
50th percentile in NM
Academic
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.5/10
Excellent
Environment
9.0/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
109%
Teaching Staff
8:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

US HWY 28, Mesilla, NM 88046

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rio Grande Preparatory Institute may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ALMA D'ARTE CHARTER (rated 6.9/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Las Cruces), which scores slightly higher. Another option is LAS MONTANAS CHARTER (rated 6.8/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Las Cruces), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LAS CRUCES HIGH (rated 5.5/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Las Cruces), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Mesilla, see our Mesilla schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
LAS CRUCES ACADEMY Mesilla 0.4 mi 7.0
MESILLA ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 0.5 mi 6.5
ZIA MIDDLE Las Cruces 0.5 mi 4.6
MESILLA PARK ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 1.2 mi 6.2
LA ACADEMIA DOLORES HUERTA Las Cruces 1.4 mi 8.0
LAS CRUCES HIGH Las Cruces 1.9 mi 5.5
TOMBAUGH ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 2.1 mi 7.9
MAC ARTHUR ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 2.5 mi 4.7
VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 2.3 mi 5.6
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 2.5 mi 7.0
NEW AMERICA SCHOOL - LAS CRUCES Las Cruces 2.5 mi 4.6
MESILLA VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Las Cruces 2.2 mi 5.9
ALMA D'ARTE CHARTER Las Cruces 2.6 mi 6.9
J PAUL TAYLOR ACADEMY Las Cruces 2.6 mi 7.1
COLLEGE HEIGHTS KINDERGARTEN Las Cruces 2.4 mi 4.8
LAS MONTANAS CHARTER Las Cruces 2.5 mi 6.8
PICACHO MIDDLE Las Cruces 2.9 mi 5.5
LAS CRUCES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Las Cruces 3.1 mi 8.3
ALAMEDA ELEMENTARY Las Cruces 3.2 mi 4.2
DESERT SPRINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Las Curces 3.0 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 88046 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,300

Median Home Value

$253,000

Population

725

College Educated

42.4%

Homeownership

70.3%

Poverty Rate

3.7%

Median Age

50.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
MIMBRES VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Deming, NM 6.2
DEMING CESAR CHAVEZ Deming, NM 6.3
JAL HIGH Jal, NM 6.3
CAPITAN HIGH Capitan, NM 6.0
ESCALANTE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL Tierra Amarilla, NM 6.0
MESA VISTA HIGH Ojo Caliente, NM 6.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rio Grande Preparatory Institute

What grades does Rio Grande Preparatory Institute serve?

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has an enrollment of approximately 148 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?

The student-teacher ratio at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is 7.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Rio Grande Preparatory Institute rank in NM?

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute ranks #435 of 864 schools in NM.

What is Rio Grande Preparatory Institute's MySchoolScout rating?

Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute has 7% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 14% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Rio Grande Preparatory Institute a charter school?

No, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Rio Grande Preparatory Institute a Title I school?

No, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rio Grande Preparatory Institute?

108.8% of students at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
60 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
52 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
148
Student-Teacher Ratio
7.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
108.8%
Type
alternative
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Doña Ana County
4-Year Graduation
47.0%

District

LAS CRUCES
District Enrollment
23,404
Schools in District
39
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,965
District Rank
#24 of 39

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