William Marion Raines Senior High School opened its doors at 3663 Clarkson Avenue in January of 1965 with a flourish. From then until today, the school has been a leader in education. Raines is the oldest historically black high school in Duval County still in existence. The “2 Million Dollar School” as it was called, was led by Dr. Andrew A. Robinson for the first years of its existence. The colors cardinal red and silver gray were chosen as the school colors and the Viking was chosen as the school’s mascot. Raines was an all-black school until the desegregation orders in 1971. After the court order, the faculty was integrated and the following year the student body was integrated.

Raines was originally accredited in 1968, the first school in Duval County to achieve accreditation. Raines was re-accredited in 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008 and was given glowing compliments from the visiting boards.

Raines has been under the leadership of twelve principals: Dr. Andrew A. Robinson, Dr. Ezekial W. Bryant, Mr. Kernaa McFarlin, Mr. Ike James, Mr. Jimmie Johnson, Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, Dr. Roy I. Mitchell, Mrs. Carol H. Daniels, Mrs. Nongongoma Majova-Seane, Mr. George E. Maxey, Mr. Tony O. Bellamy, and Ms. Shateena Brown.  All twelve men and women have left their mark on the school and its students.  Today, the Vikings are led by Mr. Vincent R. Hall, a proud alumnus of Raines High School. His connection to the school brings a strong sense of tradition, pride, and commitment to the continued success of the Raines community.

Raines became the county’s Science, Math and Engineering Magnet School in 1990. This new focus was supported by the addition of the Andrew A. Robinson Science wing in that same year. Raines received its first 9th grade students as a part of the magnet program and additional personnel and programs have been added to help these students make the adjustment to high school.

Though the school is only forty-plus years old, our outstanding achievements up to this point have been numerous. Our faculty and staff have been major contributors to the success of our students. Together, we have excelled in all facets of our school and community life. Academic accomplishments have brought us much acclaim as we make our mark in academic competitions throughout the nation. Many of our students have gone on to attend college, universities and prestigious professional schools.

Outstanding athletes have long brought distinction to William M. Raines High School, elevating its legacy both within the school community and on professional stages. Approximately 35 Raines athletes have gone on to compete at the professional level, a testament to the school’s enduring commitment to athletic excellence and the development of exceptional student-athletes.

Throughout its history, Raines has established a proud tradition of championship achievement. The varsity boys’ basketball team captured state championships in 1991, 2003, and 2004. The boys’ track and field program earned its first state championship in 1976, and both the boys’ track and field and football teams claimed state titles in 1997 and 1998.

The Raines varsity football program holds a distinguished place in Duval County history as the only public high school in the county to have earned a state championship. Continuing that tradition of excellence, the football team added another state championship to the school’s storied history in 2025.

Raines athletics has also celebrated historic achievements among its female student-athletes. The girls’ track and field team captured back-to-back state championships in 2008 and 2009, marking the first state titles won by a female sport at Raines.

Most recently, the boys’ track and field team further strengthened this remarkable legacy by winning the state championship in 2026. From the first championship in 1976 to the victories of recent years, Raines athletics continues to honor a proud tradition of perseverance, excellence, and championship achievement.

Raines High School’s musical programs have played an important role in the school’s tradition of excellence. Over the years, both the chorus and band programs have consistently earned first-place trophies and received superior ratings at the district and state levels, reflecting the dedication and talent of Raines students and faculty.

The school expanded its commitment to the fine arts in the fall of 2010 with the addition of a full-time dance program. This growth continued in 2011, when Raines added the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) a school-within-a school magnet program. With the addition of the VPAA, Raines established a comprehensive fine arts program that brought music, dance, visual arts, and other performing arts together as an integral part of the school’s educational tradition.

Built on a rich tradition of pride and excellence, Raines has managed to maintain its traditions. As we press forward into the 21st century, Raines continues to be a school which is dedicated to its founding motto: Knowledge is power!