Focus groups Aug. 18–19 will ask students, families, staff and community members to help shape the mission, identity and educational model of a new school planned for fall 2027

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools is inviting students, families, staff and community members to help shape a new grades 6–12 school scheduled to open in fall 2027.

The district will host focus groups at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, and Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Rio Grande Prep/MVLA campus, 2355 Avenida de Mesilla in Mesilla.

English- and Spanish-language sessions will be available, and participants may register for one focus group.

LCPS said the new school is envisioned as a smaller learning environment designed to serve students continuously from middle through high school.

By keeping students on one campus from grades 6–12, the district hopes to ease the transition between middle and high school while strengthening relationships, building a greater sense of community and creating more opportunities for students.

Feedback gathered during the focus groups will help guide decisions about the school’s mission, vision, identity and educational experience.

Participants will be asked to weigh in on the primary purpose of a grades 6–12 school, the educational opportunities it should offer and the values and experiences that should define it.

Discussion topics may include college preparation, Career and Technical Education pathways, early college and career exploration, personalized and flexible learning, social-emotional development, student belonging and creating a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment.

Students, parents, LCPS employees and community members can register through the district’s focus group sign-up form.

Focus group details

• Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m.
• Rio Grande Prep/MVLA
  2355 Avenida de Mesilla
  Mesilla

English- and Spanish-language sessions are available.