MAST Academy | |
---|---|
Location | |
Virginia Key, Miami, Florida United States |
|
Information | |
Type | Public magnet |
Established | 1990 |
School district | Miami-Dade County Public Schools |
Principal | Josephine Otero |
Grades | 6-12 |
Enrollment | 850 |
Student to teacher ratio | 14.5 |
Color(s) | |
Mascot | Isurus |
Nickname | Mako Sharks |
Newspaper | The Beacon |
Yearbook | Mako Fuka |
School hours | 8:00AM to 3:00PM |
Website | http://www.GoMakos.org/ |
Maritime and Science Technology Academy, commonly referred to as MAST Academy, or MAST, is a public high school in Miami, Florida, on Virginia Key. MAST Academy is a magnet school under the governance of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The school's principal is Josephine Otero, appointed in 2013. US News & World Report ranks MAST as the 42nd best high school in the nation as of 2015.
The academic focus of MAST Academy is primarily marine studies. Students choose one of three major areas of study in which a traditional U.S. high school curriculum is infused with maritime-related subjects. These areas are Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (OAS), Maritime Studies and Culture (MSC), and Marine Related Industries (MRI). Special course offerings include Marine Science, Oceanography, Solar Energy, Environmental Science, Swimming, and Water Safety.
MAST Academy is located on Virginia Key, a barrier island between Miami and Key Biscayne, across the street from the Miami Seaquarium and within walking distance of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
In 1990, MAST Academy was established in Key Biscayne.
In 2012, the school announced that it would expand by 1,700 seats, with preference given to eligible Key Biscayne residents. It was controversial and highly debated whether residents of the Village of Key Biscayne should be opened up to all Key Biscayne high school students. A former student was reported as claiming, "I can't believe they are going to turn over the school to the affluent residents of Key Biscayne in return for $9 million," adding, "it will really destroy what MAST is all about."