Join Mr. Portelos' Engineering Classes!
Engineering Design and Development
Seniors
Engineering Design and Development is the capstone course of the Engineering Academy, where students apply everything they have learned to real world engineering challenges. The course is intentionally designed to help students understand what engineers do on a day to day basis while exploring a wide buffet of technological and engineering career pathways, including mechanical, civil, electrical, architectural, aerospace and industrial engineering.
During the fall semester, students complete an independent design focused independent study using industry relevant tools such as SketchUp, Onshape, and other professional grade modeling and prototyping software. Students learn how engineers move from concept to design by creating, testing, and refining solutions used in architecture, manufacturing, construction, and technology driven fields. Students also review past lessons and concepts learned from prior years.
In the spring semester, students serve as team leads within the Atlantic Coast Engineering program and compete in the ACE Engineering Competition. This phase of the course emphasizes leadership, collaboration, project management, and real world problem solving as students guide teams through a full engineering design cycle. Participation in the competition provides authentic engineering experience and helps position students for scholarships and future opportunities in engineering and technology programs.
Join Mr. Portelos' Engineering Classes!
Principles of Engineering
Sophomores and Juniors
Principles of Engineering is a hands-on, project-based course designed for students interested in engineering, design, architecture, and technology. The course moves at an advanced pace and emphasizes real-world problem solving, teamwork, and professional engineering tools.
In the fall semester, students transition into mock company engineering projects and competitive design challenges. Working in teams, students operate as engineering firms, managing design constraints, documentation, and presentation of solutions. They learn industry-relevant design skills using SketchUp and Onshape, create digital prototypes, and bring designs to life through 3D printing.
During the spring semester, students study systems of power and control and explore how materials, forces, and design choices affect the performance of structures and machines. Students apply these concepts through practical projects involving simple machines, circuits, bridges, and mechanical systems. Students also participate in ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Competitions and Mentorship, where teams develop real-world engineering and design solutions to one of three annual problem statements.
The course culminates in an annual ACE competition in April, where students present and defend their designs before industry professionals, competing for recognition and potential scholarship awards. This course builds strong foundations in engineering thinking, collaboration, and modern design technology, preparing students for advanced STEM coursework and future careers in engineering and architecture.
Service Academy Day
U.S. Senator Rick Scott & Congressmen Bean & Rutherford
High school and middle school families are welcome!
FSCJ Advanced Technology Center
401 West State Street. Jacksonville, FL. 32202.
June 25, 2026
9:30AM - 12:30PM
Registration begins at 9:00AM
For more information, contact: nominations@rickscott.senate.gov
ACHS will offer summer PERT testing sessions for students seeking to meet post-secondary readiness requirements or qualify for senior leave. Registration for summer PERT sessions will open on June 8.
Reminders:
Students must take the PERT at their designated high school.
Students should not register to take the PERT at FSCJ.
PERT for Dual Enrollment and Post-Secondary Readiness – Fill out form
Level Up Your Future!
Powered by Earn Up
Join the Summer College & Career Readiness Bootcamp.
Are you a rising junior or senior looking to increase your awareness and understanding of what’s next? Don't miss this exclusive one-week summer bootcamp designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and beyond!
Bootcamp Information:
Dates: Two Summer 2026 Dates, June 22-June 26 -OR- July 13-July 17
Time: 9:30AM - 3:00PM (Monday-Friday)
Location: Florida State College of Jacksonville, Downtown Campus as well as company and campus field trips.
Transportation: Must be provided by the student to and from FSCJ's Main Campus each day. Bus or van transportation will be provided to students to attend offsite activities.
Click HERE to hold your spot!
Why Attend?
Gain a competitive edge for college and career success.
Connect with industry leaders and professionals.
Receive expert training at a low cost to you. (Application fee $25)
Presented by Florida State College of Jacksonville & JAXUSA Partnership. This program is funded by a grant from the Florida College Access Network/DeLuca Foundation.
What You'll Gain:
Company Tours: Explore real workplaces and learn about career opportunities.
SAT/ACT Prep: Boost your test scores with expert guidance.
Financial Aid Assistance: Get help navigating scholarships, FAFSA, and college costs.
Personalized Guidance Counseling: One-on-one support to map out your future.
Personal Branding: Learn how to stand out on LinkedIn and beyond.
Technology & Soft Skills Training: Gain essential digital and interpersonal skills.
Internship & Job Search Skills: Build a resume, ace interviews, and find opportunities.
Earn a Level Up Custom Badge: A digital credential to showcase on LinkedIn and resumes based on your bootcamp experiences.
We are excited to announce that the livestream link for Atlantic Coast High School’s Graduation Ceremony is now available!
Graduation will take place on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 PM at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. For family members and friends who are unable to attend in person, the ceremony can be viewed live using the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/d5jmYA8j2BU
Please feel free to share the link with loved ones who would like to celebrate this special milestone with our graduates from afar.
We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 tomorrow. Go Stingrays!
Monday, 5/18: Grad rehearsal for seniors, NHS senior sendoff
Tuesday 5/19: Skate station for seniors
Wednesday 5/20: Senior olympics, laptop return for seniors
Thursday 5/21: Main event for seniors
Friday 5/22: Seniors last day! Academic signing day
REMEMBER: Wear your IDs, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!
Seniors! Looking for some ACHS memorabilia before graduation? We’ve got a few items on sale while supplies last!
📘 Old Yearbooks — $25
👕 Senior Short Sleeve Apparel — $1
📸 Senior Panoramic — $1
Items can be purchased and picked up in Room 213. These items will also be available for purchase during the Senior Celebration on May 26th.
While supplies last!
FSCJ is excited to introduce the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Class Promotion for graduating dual enrollment students for Fall 2026. This exclusive offer is for graduating high school seniors who participated in the FSCJ Dual Enrollment program this academic year (2025-2026) and are enrolling at FSCJ as full-time students for Fall 2026.
Student Requirements
Participated in the FSCJ Dual Enrollment Program during the 2025-2026 school year
Apply as a degree seeking student for Fall 2026
Must have a 2.0 GPA
Fall classes start on August 31st! Click HERE for more information.
Important 2027 Senior Portrait Info 🎓
Your senior portrait session is an important first step in celebrating your final year of high school.
Which is why we’re excited to partner with CADY for senior portraits. For more than 25 years, CADY has served schools with a distinctive approach to senior photography, combining state-of-the-art studios, premier customer service, and the artistry to capture each senior’s unique story.
This is a busy year, so we recommend booking your session this summer. CADY offers session options to fit every family’s needs.
These portraits are perfect way to capture your achievement and can be used for graduation announcements, yearbook ads, social posts, and more.
Remember to book early! We can’t stress this enough. CADY’s calendar fills up fast and weekend spots are always the first to go.
Start the celebration now and visit cady.com/schedule to book your senior session today.
More information about booking your session can be found in the Senior Portrait Booking Flyer.
We will hold a mandatory Rising Senior Meeting for all current Juniors/Class of 2027 students next Tuesday, May 19th. During this meeting, students will receive important information regarding their upcoming senior year, including senior activities, graduation requirements, timelines, and expectations. All Juniors/Class of 2027 students must be present on campus Tuesday, May 19th, in order to attend this meeting. This information is important as we begin preparing for senior year, and we want to ensure every student receives the same information and resources. We look forward to officially beginning the journey toward senior year with the Class of 2027!
Registration for Summer Driver Education is now open beginning today, May 11th. Students interested in participating may register through ELEYO.
Summer Driver Education will be offered during the following sessions:
Session 1: June 8th – June 16th
Session 2: June 17th – June 25th
Session 3: June 29th – July 7th
Session 4: July 8th – July 16th
Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please note there are no Friday classes.
The cost for the course is $225.00.
Space may be limited, so families are encouraged to register as soon as possible through ELEYO if interested.
Attention Stingrays in Grades 9–11!
Voting for next year’s SGA Officers is now OPEN!
Vote HERE!
Please read carefully before voting:
You may ONLY vote for your current grade level/graduation year.
Votes submitted in the wrong grade level/graduation year will NOT count.
You may only vote ONE time.
Only students currently attending Atlantic Coast High School may vote.
Votes submitted by students from other schools will be removed.
Votes submitted by seniors will be removed.
Voting closes at MIDNIGHT on Friday, May 15th.
Good luck to all of our candidates!
Monday, 5/11: SGA Campaign Week! Senior intern forms are due. AP Exams- Calculus AB & BC, Seminar. Senior olympics meeting in room 213 after school.
Tuesday 5/12: Shutdown testing day: FAST PM3. AP Exams- Pre-Calculus, Psychology
Wednesday 5/13: AP Exams-Lang
Thursday 5/14: Shutdown Day- US History + Biology EOCs; AP Exams- Art History, Spanish Language, Computer Science Principles. NHS Meeting.
Friday 5/15: AP Exams- Environment Science. Key Club Meeting.
REMEMBER: Wear your IDs, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!
Monday, 5/4: AP Exams- Bio, Euro, Micro
Tuesday 5/5: AP Exams- Chem, Human Geo, US Gov
Wednesday 5/6: AP Exams-Comp Gov & Pol, Physics; Senior Awards at 6:30pm in the auditorium
Thursday 5/7: Shutdown Day- Algebra 1 and Geometry EOCs; AP Exams- World, Stat; Girls Softball at 7pm
Friday 5/8: AP Exams- US History, Macro
REMEMBER: Wear your IDs, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!
Calling all Stingray families! Come out and show your school spirit at our PTSA Spirit Night on Tuesday, April 28th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Culver's on Gate (7818 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256).
Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting Atlantic Coast High School's PTSA. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go directly toward funding programs, events, and resources for our students and teachers. It’s a win-win!
This is a great opportunity to meet other Stingray families, connect with the PTSA, and learn about how you can get involved. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the school, we’d love to see you there!
📅 Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and spread the word!
Let’s make it a fun and successful night for our school community.
We can't wait to see you on April 28th at Culver's! 🧡🖤
Monday, 4/27: Cap and Gown delivery last names A-L
Tuesday 4/28: Cap and Gown delivery last names M-Z, Band Spring Concert at 7pm
Wednesday 4/29: PERT test after school, Senior Olympics meeting room 213
Thursday 4/30: Grad Bash!
Friday 5/1: No events today!
REMEMBER: Wear your IDs, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!
Class of 2026: Always a Creeker Walk
All Creekers who are graduating school this year are invited to our annual Always a Creeker Walk on Thursday, May 21st. The walk begins at 2:30pm, check-in is at 2pm. Please RSVP by May 15th. Wear your cap and gown or a t-shirt representing your high school or college you are attending. Click HERE to RSVP
Autism Acceptance Spirit Week
April 20 - April 24
Monday April 20: Be Comfy with Autism: Wear comfy clothes or pjs
Tuesday April 21: Hats off to Autism!
Wednesday April 22: Neurodiversity Day: Wear tie dye
Thursday April 23: Support your favorite team day!
Friday April 24: CSS Bubble Day: Wear your AC gear and join us for music and good fun!
Calling all rising seniors! 📣Want a FREE Elite Senior Photo Session with ALL your digital images included? CADY is looking for Ambassadors from the Class of 2027 to represent their brand nationwide. Use the link below to learn more and apply today! cady.com/ambassador #CADYSenior #classof2027
