Rickards High

Three students sit in front of their school sign.

School Profile Students 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: 9^th - 12^th
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,

Join us for the Rickards School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting to review and discuss school goals and data, upcoming testing, IB recruitment, 2026-2027 course request forms, and more! Your input and your voice matter! The meeting will be held virtually. If you would like the meeting link, please email rickards.sac@gmail.com. We look forward to sharing the great things happening at Rickards.

Warm regards,

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

Administrative Updates

Dr. Barnes, Assistant Principal of Curriculum

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Report cards were uploaded to the FOCUS Parent Portal on Wednesday, January 14th. If, after reviewing your students' grades, you have questions or concerns, please contact the teacher. If you need further assistance, contact the Guidance Secretary, Ms. Nathan, at 850-414-5500 or tamessia.nathan@leonschools.net to schedule a parent conference.

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.
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.