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Mission Statement
The mission of James S. Rickards High School is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed at the local, state, national, and international levels. Our students will emerge as responsible, self-supporting, and productive members of society, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Vision Statement
At James S. Rickards High School, our vision is to provide students with a caring and supportive learning environment that empowers them to reach their fullest potential through high-quality programs, instruction, and experiences.
We invite you to partner with us in achieving our mission and bringing it to life. Please consider volunteering your time or joining our School Advisory Council. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and strengthen our surrounding community.
Grades: 9th - 12th
Enrollment: 1668
Principal: Mr. Douglas Cook
Assistant Principals: Dr. D. Barnes, Dr. R. Flanagan, Mr. C. Cowart, & Mr. S. Striplin
School Hours: 7:25 AM – 1:55 PM
Principal’s Message
Principal Douglas Cook brings over 20 years of educational leadership and a passion for building futures filled with opportunity and success for all students. Mr. Cook believes that students thrive in safe, supportive environments where families and the community play a vital role.
Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
As we head into spring break, I want to take a moment to wish you and your families a wonderful, rejuvenating week ahead. Our students have worked hard these past months, and this is a perfect time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together.
A few reminders as you plan your break:
- School Closure: Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16th, through Friday, March 20th. Monday, March 23rd is a Teacher Planning Day. We will resume classes on Tuesday, March 24th.
- Returning to School: Please ensure students return on Tuesday, March 24, ready to engage. We have exciting learning ahead!
Ideas for a Meaningful Break:
- Spend quality time with family and friends
- Explore local parks, museums, or nature
- Read for pleasure
- Practice healthy habits and get plenty of rest
- Engage in hobbies and interests
We're grateful for your partnership in supporting our students' growth and success. Thank you for all you do! Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and joyful spring break.
Warm regards,
Mr. Douglas Cook
Phone: 850-414-5500 | Email
Administrative Updates
Dr. Barnes, Assistant Principal of Curriculum
As we wrap up the third nine weeks of the school year, I'm pleased to share that your students have been working hard and making great progress in their learning! Report Cards will be uploaded to FOCUS on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
After Spring Break, your child will participate in important assessments that help us measure growth and identify areas where they're excelling. These tests give us valuable information to support your student's success. The updated schedule is below.
How You Can Help at Home
- Maintain healthy routines—ensure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats well, and stays physically active
- Support attendance—Regular school attendance during this period is critical
Thank you for your partnership in your child's education.
Mr. Cowart, Assistant Principal of Attendance & Facilities
Updated Tardy Policy
To support instructional time and student success, the school has implemented an updated Tardy Policy:
- Students must be in class before the bell each period.
- Any arrival after the bell is considered tardy.
- Six (6) tardies in nine weeks will result in a disciplinary referral.
- Additional tardies may/will lead to escalating consequences.
- Parent contact will be handled by the school.
- Parents are encouraged to reinforce punctuality and ensure students arrive at class on time each day.
Thank you for your support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We offer a range of programs, including special education, English language development, gifted education, and counseling services to support diverse student needs.
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Safety is our top priority. We have secure campus entry points, regular emergency drills, and on-site staff trained in emergency response. Our visitor management system ensures that all guests are signed in and monitored.
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Our elementary school day typically begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m., with after-school programs available for families needing extended care.
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Registration is straightforward and can be done online or in person at the school office. Required documents include proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization records.
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We welcome family involvement! Parents can volunteer in classrooms, join the PTA, participate in family nights, or attend school events. Your involvement strengthens our school community and supports your child's learning experience.
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Technology is integrated to enhance learning, with resources such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software that support students' digital literacy and engagement.
