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Below Average

#3271 of 3,777 schools in FL

James Rickards High School

High School · LEON

3013 JIM LEE RD, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Enrollment

1,575

Student-Teacher

23.9:1

Score

4.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tallahassee

#47 of 52

public schools

Florida high schools

#500 of 748

In district

#45 of 50

LEON

About James Rickards High School

James Rickards High School serves 1,575 students in grades 9-12 in Tallahassee, Florida. With 66 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.9:1. The school is currently working to improve academic outcomes, with 40% of students achieving proficiency or above in ELA/Reading across grade levels, indicating significant room for academic growth.

Located on Jim Lee Road in Leon County, James Rickards High School ranks in the 15th percentile among Florida's high schools. The school community reflects a diverse economic landscape, with students coming from families where the median household income is $47,222. The surrounding neighborhood shows a strong commitment to education, with 44% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, though the area faces economic challenges with a 25% poverty rate.

Despite current academic challenges, the school serves an important role in its community of over 33,000 residents. The school's size allows for diverse programming opportunities while maintaining the close connections that can support student development. James Rickards High School operates in Tallahassee's mid-size city environment, providing students access to the resources and opportunities that come with being part of Florida's capital city community.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at James Rickards High School is 23.9:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.7Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-5.87 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.6Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23%
Reading/ELA Proficiency37%
Reading vs. State Avg-15.6 pts
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)46%
vs. Expected-15.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation42.9%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment2.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,197

James Rickards High School — Students at James Rickards High School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 39.3%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
46%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
23%
ELA
37%
2024
ELA
39.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.7/10.

How James Rickards High School Compares

See how James Rickards High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
13th percentile in FL
Academic
3.6/10
3.6/10
Growth
1.7/10
Below average
Environment
2.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
66 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
42.9% participation·158 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3013 JIM LEE RD, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering James Rickards High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. GIANT CAMPUS ACADEMY (rated 6.9/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS (rated 6.8/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LEON HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.4/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Tallahassee, see our Tallahassee schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
FAIRVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee 0.7 mi 5.7
MIRACLES IN ME ACADEMY Tallahassee 1.1 mi 7.9
TALLAHASSEE CLASSICAL SCHOOL Tallahassee 1.7 mi 4.8
FRANK HARTSFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tallahassee 1.7 mi 6.8
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS Tallahassee 1.7 mi 6.8
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH SCHOOL Tallahassee 1.6 mi 6.3
PLAYBIG LEARNING CENTER Tallahassee 1.7 mi
OAK RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.1 mi 5.6
R. FRANK NIMS MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.0 mi 6.4
BOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.0 mi 7.8
J MICHAEL CONLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT SOUTHWOOD Tallahassee 2.4 mi 5.3
LEON HIGH SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.8 mi 5.4
PINEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.6 mi 8.2
TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.9 mi 6.8
KINGDOM LIFE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Tallahassee 2.9 mi 5.3
GIANT CAMPUS ACADEMY Tallahassee 2.9 mi 6.9
HILLTOP ACADEMY INC. Tallahassee 3.1 mi
ELIZABETH COBB MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee 3.1 mi 4.6
BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tallahassee 3.0 mi
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Tallahassee 2.8 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32301 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,412

Median Home Value

$211,900

Median Rent

$1,200/mo

Population

32,596

College Educated

45%

Homeownership

28.4%

Avg Commute

17.8 min

Poverty Rate

23.7%

Median Age

29.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding James Rickards High School has a median household income of $50,412. It is a well-educated community where 45% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $211,900, with a median rent of $1,200/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.8
BOYD H. ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL Lauderdale Lakes, FL 4.8
DEERFIELD BEACH HIGH SCHOOL Deerfield Beach, FL 4.8
EDGEWATER HIGH Orlando, FL 4.8
GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.8
MIRAMAR HIGH SCHOOL Miramar, FL 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about James Rickards High School

What grades does James Rickards High School serve?

James Rickards High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend James Rickards High School?

James Rickards High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,575 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at James Rickards High School?

The student-teacher ratio at James Rickards High School is 23.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does James Rickards High School rank in FL?

James Rickards High School is ranked #3271 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is James Rickards High School's MySchoolScout rating?

James Rickards High School has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at James Rickards High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Rickards High School has 34.5% math proficiency and 39.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is James Rickards High School a charter school?

No, James Rickards High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is James Rickards High School a Title I school?

No, James Rickards High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Rickards High School?

57.1% of students at James Rickards High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
28 Some Transit
Bike Score
18 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (757/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,575
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
66
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Leon County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

LEON
District Enrollment
31,769
Schools in District
56
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,997
District Rank
#45 of 50

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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