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Rickards High

Leon County Schools Leads the Way

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Three students sit in front of their school sign.

School ProfileStudents walk near a school building.

 

 

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

Image result for mr cook rickards

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 near the end of the first semester at James S. Rickards, please encourage your child(ren) to stay focused on their goals. Freshmen may feel graduation is far away, but it is closer than they think; the foundation they build this year will be the blueprint for the rest of their high school career. Sophomores and juniors, please maintain your momentum. Seniors, finish strong—you are closing one chapter and beginning the next.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

 

Warm regards,
Mr. Douglas Cook
Phone: 
850-414-5500 | Email

 

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Technology is integrated to enhance learning, with resources such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software that support students' digital literacy and engagement.

Upcoming Events

View the full calendar to see all the exciting events we have happening in the next few weeks and months!