Dr. Michael George
Principal
Dr. Michael George was born in Delaware but spent most of his childhood in Maryland and later in Philadelphia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Salisbury University, an MBA in International Business from Arcadia University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Xavier University in Louisiana.
Dr. George started his career teaching in Ghana. Following his time in West Africa, Michael taught social studies, coached basketball, and served as a dean of students at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia. A leadership opportunity led Michael to New Orleans, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer for Enriched Schools and dedicated four years as principal at Cohen College Prep High School.
He is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports (Go Birds), enjoys working out, and spends his downtime traveling and hiking through U.S. state parks with his significant other.
Mrs. Lauren Parrott
Assistant Principal of Curriculum
Mrs. Parrott was born and raised in New York, and it was her lifelong goal to be a teacher. She attended Molloy University on Long Island where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications. While taking courses in graduate school, she worked in New York City at a digital media agency. Eager to enter the classroom, she applied and was accepted into Teach for America as a Corps Member. She later earned her Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University.
Teach for America brought Mrs. Parrott down to Jacksonville where she taught English Language Arts courses at First Coast High School for nearly a decade. While serving as a teacher leader on campus, she participated in the district’s Aspiring Leaders program. Transitioning into school leadership, she most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Southside Middle School. She is passionate about literacy and providing students with educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
Mrs. Parrott lives with her husband, two sons, and dog Sonny in Jacksonville Beach. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling. She is an avid NY Mets fan and volunteers with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For the upcoming school year, she is most excited about making new connections and delving deeper into the Stingray experience!
Ms. Aleya Prier
Assistant Principal
Aleya Prier, a devoted wife and mother of four, hails from Jacksonville, Florida. Her educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee. But that was just the beginning. Driven by a passion for learning, Aleya pursued a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. With 25 years of experience as an educator, she transitioned into school leadership, serving as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Davis Middle School. There, she introduced innovative academic programs like AVID and Cambridge.
However, Aleya’s commitment extended beyond the classroom. As Principal of the Bridge to Success Academy, she provided essential guidance to at-risk youth and their families. Over 11 years, she fostered an environment focused on academic achievement and personal growth, earning recognition through her Specialist certification from the National Dropout Prevention Network. Aleya’s impact didn’t stop there. Outside of education, she co-directs the Pretty In Me Organization and Pageant alongside her daughter, Akilah Prier. Through this initiative, they’ve awarded over $5,000 in scholarships to young women, enabling them to participate in the Royal International Miss pageant. Aleya herself was crowned Royal International Ms. North Florida.
Her voice resonates beyond the school walls. Aleya has been published in One Dominion Christian Magazine and featured on the Black Speakers network. Additionally, she holds the title of Nationally Certified Empowerment Coach through the Mitch 22 Foundation, dedicated to uplifting and motivating individuals to reach their full potential.
Mr. Micah Ross
Assistant Principal
Mr. Micah Ross was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and is a product of Duval County Public Schools. He attended Long Branch & North Shore Elementary, Kirby Smith Jr High, and Andrew Jackson Sr. High. He went to college at Jacksonville University and Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Before starting a career in education, he played in the National Football League for the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers, and Carolina Panthers.
Mr. Ross is beginning his eighteenth year in education and has been at Atlantic Coast High School since its inception. He has held multiple positions which include teaching, coaching, and served as the Dean of Students before his current role as Assistant Principal of Culture and Facilities at Atlantic Coast. In his current role, he oversees the cafeteria services, security, custodians, and discipline while working together with Dr. George and the Math department.
He lives with his family in the Gate Parkway area and enjoys cooking and sports. Mr. Ross is currently the President of the National Football League Retired Players Chapter located in Jacksonville and regular attends Jaguar games. DTWD! IWATJ!
Ms. Brandi Thomas
Assistant Principal
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ms. Brandi Thomas now calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. She earned dual bachelor's degrees in Biology and Social Ecology from Carroll University and later completed a Master of Science in Biological Studies from Clemson University. Science, particularly biology and chemistry, has always been one of her greatest passions.
Ms. Thomas has dedicated more than 20 years to Duval County Public Schools, serving in a variety of instructional and leadership roles including Biology and Chemistry teacher, Magnet Lead, School Technology Coordinator, Science Department Coordinator, Graduation Coach, and Assistant Principal. She is proud to be an Original Stingray and has been part of the Atlantic Coast High School family since the school's opening in 2010.
Currently, Ms. Thomas leads the Science, World Languages, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) departments at Atlantic Coast High School. She also serves as the school's ESOL administrator and supports accelerated programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone, Dual Enrollment, and Career and Technical Education pathways. Ms. Thomas is passionate about helping students discover their potential, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for success beyond high school. She believes that one of Atlantic Coast's greatest strengths is its diversity and is committed to creating opportunities and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Outside of school, Ms. Thomas is a lifelong learner and proud mother of one son. She enjoys reading, traveling, and continues to share her love of science as an adjunct Biology professor. Her commitment to education, student growth, and lifelong learning remains at the heart of everything she does.