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Locally, LCPS has consistently outperformed the state, maintaining graduation rates above 80% in most years.
Source: Las Cruces Public Schools
By Kelly Jameson
Photos: Courtesy
Cover Photo Caption: Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz, right, with the teaching staff at Arrowhead Park Early College High School. The presentation was made following an announcement that Arrowhead Park Early College High School, along with Rio Grande Preparatory Institute and Organ Mountain High School were named top performers in the state among graduation rates in the 2024 cohort.
Las Cruces Public Schools is proud to announce that three of its schools—Arrowhead Park Early College High School, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute, and Organ Mountain High School—were recognized by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) for their increased graduation outcomes as part of the release of the Cohort 2024 graduation data.
Statewide, 78.04% of students in the 2024 cohort—those who began ninth grade in the 2020–2021 school year—graduated within four years. This marks the highest graduation rate and the largest number of graduates (20,375 students) New Mexico has seen in the past 15 years.
Locally, LCPS has consistently outperformed the state, maintaining graduation rates above 80% in most years.
In the 2024 cohort, Arrowhead Park Early College High School, Rio Grande Preparatory Institute, and Organ Mountain High School stood out for their high graduation rates and notable improvements over the previous year. Their success is a direct reflection of the district’s ongoing commitment to student achievement, data-driven support and strategic planning to ensure every student stays on track toward graduation.
Related: Progress: New Mexico’s graduation rate improves for Class of 2024
“These results are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, counselors, administrators, families, and—most importantly—our students,” said LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “We are proud to see our schools leading the way in graduation success and preparing students for college, careers, and beyond.”
The New Mexico PED credited strong school practices across the state for this year’s progress, including:
- Close monitoring of student credit accumulation
- Use of early warning systems to support at-risk students
- Data-informed school improvement plans
- Participation in career and technical education (CTE) programs
- Emphasis on Next Step Plans to guide students’ goals early in high school
Arrowhead Park and Rio Grande Preparatory Institute have long emphasized personalized learning environments and career readiness. Organ Mountain High School has implemented targeted interventions and support systems to help students meet their goals and stay engaged through graduation.
LCPS continues to align its own strategic plan with PED’s strategic goals to increase graduation rates. While statewide gains are encouraging, the district remains focused on providing the academic, social, and emotional supports needed to help every student succeed.
More information about New Mexico’s graduation data and the Public Education Department’s Strategic Plan can be found at https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us.
