Initially, the state rejected the proposal of Rio Rancho High School.

In April 1997, Rio Rancho High officials stated they had not yet finished development of programs for students with special needs.

As a result, incoming 9th through 11th grade students who resided south of Northern Blvd began attend Rio Rancho High School and all residing north of Northern Blvd began to attend V. Sue Cleveland High School.

President Barack Obama hosted a Town Hall meeting at the high school on May 14, 2009 regarding credit card reform.

[4] Rio Rancho High School was used as filming location for the TV series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, being portrayed in the shows as J. P. Wynne High School.