Atlantic Coast High School -

Principal

Email Dr. Michael George 

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.

Assistant Principal of Curriculum 

Email Dr. Blair Chambers

Dr. Blair Chambers was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School and then attended the University of Florida, where she received degrees in English and Education. She then earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, but after working in the legal field, Dr. Chambers realized her true passion lay in education.

Dr. Chambers is beginning her sixteenth year with DCPS and has been a proud Stingray since 2018. Throughout her career with DCPS, she has held various roles, including teaching English and Intensive Reading, serving as an Instructional Coach, Graduation Coach, and most recently, as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Atlantic Coast. In her current role, Dr. Chambers oversees student scheduling, the school counseling team, the clerical staff, and the English and Reading department.

She lives with her husband and son in the St. Nicholas area and enjoys volunteering at her church, where her husband is the head pastor. Dr. Chambers loves singing, reading, and has a lifelong goal of visiting all 50 states.

Assistant Principal

Email Ms. Aleya Prier

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.

Assistant Principal 

Email Mr. Micah Ross

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!

Assistant Principal 

Email Ms. Brandi Thomas

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ms. Brandi Thomas now calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. Her academic voyage began at Carroll University, where she pursued dual degrees in Biology and Social Ecology. Later, she earned a Master of Science in Biological Studies from Clemson University. In addition to education, science—especially biology and chemistry—has been her lifelong love.

With over two decades in Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), Ms. Thomas has worn many hats: teacher of Biology and Chemistry, Magnet Lead, School Technology Coordinator, Science Department Coordinator, Graduation Coach, and Assistant Principal. She is an OS (Original Stingray) beginning her Stingray odyssey with the opening of Atlantic Coast High School in 2010. Currently, she oversees 11th-grade students, manages the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program, and leads the Performing Arts, Science, and World Languages Department.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Thomas is a lifelong learner and mom of one son. She enjoys reading, traveling, and still feeds her passion for teaching as an adjunct professor of Biology at Florida State College – Jacksonville. Her passion for education knows no bounds.