Originally established in 1927 on Cambie and Sexsmith street as Richmond High School, it has undergone location, name and organizational structure changes throughout its history.

In 1952, Richmond Junior-Senior High School moved to its current location at the intersection of Minoru Blvd (then Foster Road) and Granville Avenue.

Founded by former RHS teacher Ken Lorenz in 1995, in the Global Perspectives course students embark on humanitarian trips to provide aid for those in developing countries.

[8] Richmond Secondary is one of the first schools in Canada to offer the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to grade 9–12 students.

Richmond Secondary offers courses and programs designed to prepare students for life beyond high school and the workforce.

In addition to applied skills elective courses such as drafting and CAD, woodworks, metal fabrication, and automotives, students may choose to enroll in the pre-employment program.

[11] Richmond Secondary offers athletic teams for students including basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball, swimming, golf, badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, table tennis, and track and field.

[citation needed] RHS ties Vancouver College and Oak Bay High School for most number of BC provincial championships won.

[citation needed] Richmond Secondary School is notable for its racial diversity and its large Asian population.