Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Welcome to the Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School (MCSMS) website! This website will provide you with valuable information regarding Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School academics, field studies, extracurricular programs/activities, and connections.
We are proud to continue to be an "A" school! Our goal this year is to make connections with our students, families, and business community to share in the academic, social, and behavioral growth for all of our students. Our strength is in the continuous collaboration between our faculty, parents, students, faith-based organizations, and business partners. MCSMS is a magnet neighborhood middle school located in the City of Atlantic Beach. We strongly believe in our commitment to local traditions, partnership with Mayport Naval Station, the City of Atlantic Beach and environmental stewardship of our rivers, parks, and ocean.
Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School is a “whole-school” magnet where all children will have the opportunity to engage in coastal science topics where they will learn the importance of environmental stewardship. We also have a Gifted and Academically Talented Education (GATE) program for all grade levels that allow students to engage in Accelerated courses. Students can earn up to 6 high school credits. This is a District supported program where students will be enrolled in rigorous academic courses with the option of a GATE dedicated elective for enrichment.
At MCSMS we offer a full array of opportunities for all students from our standard to our Pre-AP GATE cohorts. Our academic expectations are reflected in curriculum and instruction throughout the school where all students are being challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the highest level. Students entering Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School will be assigned an academic course of study based on scores from FSA, Achieve 3000, and iReady. Other factors include grade point average and IEP/EP staffing requirements. We sincerely believe all students can learn when placed in the appropriate environment.
Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School takes great pride in the number of parents who are involved in our daily activities. Many volunteer opportunities are available from assisting in the administrative offices to accompanying classes on local field studies. We welcome your time and enthusiasm. We are always looking for stakeholders to join our PTA and FAME to support our school.
We are proud to be the “Jewel of the Beach” and look forward to a phenomenal year!
I am very excited to be Principal of MCSMS! My family and I love the Mayport and Beaches areas and are true lovers of our Jacksonville ecosystems and all they have to offer.
A little about myself:
I grew up in Wellington, Florida, and I’m the youngest of three boys. My parents retired from Palm Beach County Public Schools after years of dedication to the school district.
Following high school, I attended the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2003 with a degree in Secondary Social Science Education.
I began my career in education teaching history at Corner Lake Middle School in Orange County, Florida, where I began the intramural sports program and became a lead teacher.
In 2006, I moved from Orlando to Jacksonville and began teaching history and coaching football at Sandalwood High School. I taught for four years before transitioning to an Assistant Principal position at Sandalwood, where I served for 16 years. While at Sandalwood High School, I helped to lead the school as an ‘A’ school for over four years, created and led four career academies, and was able to assist the school in reaching a 99% graduation rate.
From 2023-2024, I served as Assistant Principal at Mandarin High School.
I live in the Mandarin area with my four children and amazing wife, Hannah. I am an active member of the Mandarin Community, and my children attend(ed) Greenland Pines Elementary (where I has served as SAC chair), Mandarin Middle School, Twin Lakes Academy Middle School, and now Mandarin High School.
I enjoy spending time with my family, going to local parks and beaches, and taking trips to places like Saint Augustine and Fernandina.
I am very excited to join the incredible Shark Nation as Principal this year! Go Sharks!!
Aaron Lakatos
Head Shark