The goal at Avail is not necessarily high school graduation. About 60 to 65 students out of 400 in the school's six-year history have graduated. About 40 percent of current students are employed. Almost one-third of the students do not live with their biological parents. An important feature of the school is that it is not required to accept referrals from the mainstream schools.
Students attend by choice.
MSAS provides its students with many services including a licensed day-care facility, a food bank, a clothing bank, and an AA support group. To provide for students' basic needs, the school networks with more than 59 local, state, and federal agencies. For instance, if the Alaska Department of Fish and Game finds road-kill moose they will call the director of the school who will arrange for students to butcher and freeze the meat. This arrangement not only helps to supply the food bank but gives students an opportunity to learn skills. Beyond basic needs, MSAS stresses responsibility and accountability, for which students are rewarded and recognized.