William M. Raines was the first historically black high school in Jacksonville. The historic institution was named after William M. Raines, a prominent and very respected educator in Jacksonville. He was Principal for Matthew Gilbert Senior-Junior High School for about 12 years. His educational background included studying at Florida Memorial College, Edward Waters College, Florida A & M University, Hampton Institute and Columbia University. 1965 Proved to be a monumental year, for it was at that time that Raines opened its doors.

A lot of students from Northwestern High School became Raines' Vikings. Their colors cardinal red and silver grey were adopted as the school's very own. The staff and faculty also agreed on the school's motto "Knowledge Is Power." The band director, Julian E. White, as well as lyrical efforts of the French classes, arranged the school song from the Canadian National Anthem. The class of 1966 was the first class to set the foundation of the school's "ichi-bon" (#1) tradition of spirit, pride and excellence. The first principal was Dr. Andrew Robinson. The science wing was named in honor of him. He was principal until 1970. Mr. Ezekial Bryant was principal from 1970-72, Mr. Kernaa McFarlin, from 1972-78, Mr. Ike James from 1978-79, Mr. Jimmie A. Johnson from 1979-95, Dr. Milton Threadcraft, from 1995-97, Dr. Roy Mitchell from 1997-02, Carol H. Daniels (first female principal) from 2002-06, Nongongoma Majova-Seane from 2006-09, George E. Maxey from 2009-011 and the current principal, Ms. Sheena Brown.