In 1902, Renfrew High School applied for and received "Collegiate" status after having fulfilled numerous requirements.
The original building that housed Renfrew Collegiate was eventually condemned due to sagging joists, inadequate ventilation and insufficient lighting.
In 1923, a new, three story building was completed, consisting of 19 classrooms, a library, three science labs and an auditorium with a gymnasium underneath.
In 1966 the school expanded yet again, adding 13 classrooms and a second gym called the MacNeil Gymnasium with a greenhouse on top.
A part of the Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association, The Renfrew Collegiate Institute Raiders has teams competing in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling.
[6] Renfrew Collegiate underwent changes in 2010 to accommodate the inclusion of grades 7 and 8 due to overcrowding of the feeder schools.
The Grade 12 Interdisciplinary course called "La francophonie" is open to Core and Extended students interested in studying the role of French language and culture around the world.
[10] Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are opportunities available at Renfrew Collegiate Institute for students with an interest in a particular sector.
The sectors/majors offered at Renfrew Collegiate Institute (RCI) are Construction, Energy, Health and Wellness, Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Non-Profit, and Transportation.
[11] The Special Education Department offers academic support plus a variety of learning experiences for students who have been identified as exceptional.
Recommended interventions, accommodations and/or modifications for every identified student are communicated to all interested parties through the Individual Education Plan (IEP).