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 12 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 and Mrs. Nongongoma Majova-Seane, Mr. George E. Maxey, Mr. Tony O. Bellamy, Ms. Shateena Brown.  All twelve men and women have left their mark on the school and its students.  Currently the Vikings are under the leadership of Mr. Vincent R. Hall, a proud alumni of Raines.

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 also brought us fame on both the school and professional levels. Approximately 35 athletes have gone on to join professional teams. Raines has continued to live up to its reputation for excellence in the area of athletics. The varsity boy’s basketball team won the state championship in 1991, 2003 & 2004. Our boy’s track team won their first state championship in 1976 and both boy's track and football teams won state championships in 1997 & 1998. The varsity football team is the only public high school in Duval County to earn a state championship. Most recently, our girls track team won back to back state championships in 2008 and 2009, the first state titles for a female sport at Raines.

Our musical programs have also been successful. The chorus and band programs have consistently taken home first place trophies and received superior ratings at the district and state level. A full time dance program was added to Raines in the fall of 2010. In 2011, Raines introduced the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA), making for a complete fine arts program.

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!