Since the beginning (1994), the district has implemented numerous programs and initiatives to address student learning from the highest standards. Rio Rancho Public Schools is the states first Charter District under a pilot project authorized by the NM State Legislature. Under the charter, the district uses a rigorous strategic planning and self-assessment process guided by the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence in Education. In the past two years, all Rio Rancho schools and the district office have undergone rigorous scrutiny by trained examiners from Quality New Mexico, as well as an accreditation team from the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) and the North Central Association (NCA). As a result, all district schools and the district office have received recognition from Quality New Mexico and all district schools earned accreditation from PED and NCA!