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).

[5] 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.

[8] In an interview with NBC 6 South Florida, one student was claimed his reasoning for attending to be, "I just really like learning, so I like going to class, and I'm not afraid.

"[8] Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho later tweeted, "I am always impressed by the composure of our student body.

People from across the nation voted to determine which school would host President Barack Obama as a commencement speaker.

[17][18] MAST has established a tradition of academic excellence, and has been ranked among Newsweek's Top 100 High Schools several times.

[24] Planet Ocean was an 80,000 sq.ft., interactive oceanographic museum featuring state of the art, hands on exhibits about the ocean (such as a giant piece of touchable iceberg), displays of deep sea submersibles, multi-media presentations, and other educational experiences.

[31] The Beacon, MAST's student-run newspaper, and the yearbook, Mako Fuka, have received gold medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.