At Mounds Park Academy, we know that for students to thrive, they must have opportunities to discover their passions and interests. Being involved in extra-curricular activities is expected and encouraged at MPA, and that has a profound effect on the culture and character of the school. In fact, MPA looks for students who aren’t afraid to jump in and explore new things. We know that students consistently perform better academically when they’re involved in other parts of the school. They develop broader groups of friends, greater self-confidence, and deeper levels of empathy and compassion. They become inspired by their experiences and unafraid of taking on new challenges.

Mounds Park Academy believes that physical education and competitive athletic programs complement the academic experience, which is why we offer one of the broadest prep school athletics programs in the Twin Cities. Many MPA coaches are teachers, and the fields and courts are extensions of their classrooms. We encourage each MPA student to participate and broaden their overall experience. Student athletes develop commitment, character, discipline, perseverance, initiative, leadership, cooperation, self-reliance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Middle School Activities Spotlight

Middle School Gender and Sexualities Alliance embodies all things LGBTQIA+ and beyond. The group meets regularly to learn about, reflect, and discuss a wide range of topics relating to gender, sexuality, and events affecting members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Topics covered include personal pronouns, gender identity and gender expression, as well as the gender unicorn from TSER (Trans Student Educational Resources).

Middle School Social Change Club focuses on developing responsive leaders and advocates for positive change by increasing awareness about social issues related to human rights, learning how to navigate the giving process, and making an impact in the community and beyond. Under student leadership, local projects have included small acts of kindness within MPA; coat, toy, or book drives for the unhoused; knitting hats and tying blankets for those in need; and initiatives to raise and donate money to organizations researched through sites like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch in response to social causes and global disasters.

Middle School Quiz Bowl is a competitive academic activity modeled after the National College Bowl program where two teams compete to answer difficult questions from all areas of knowledge. Quiz Bowl matches feature a blend of individual competition and team collaboration. The Middle School Quiz Bowl team meets after school and has tournaments on the weekends.

Below is a list of the many clubs available to middle school students. Clubs are formed and run by students and generally have one adult advisor. Most clubs meet one day per week during recess/lunch. Athletics meet after school for practice and meets/games.

Middle School Activities	Middle School Athletics
Chess Club Cubers Club Design Club Drawing Club Garden Club Magic The Gathering Club Math Counts & Math Masters MS Gender and Sexualities Alliance Quiz Bowl Rowing Club RPG Club Sailing Club Social Change Club Spring Musical Student Council Swim Club	Girls and Boys Alpine Ski * Boys Baseball Girls and Boys Basketball Girls and Boys Cross Country * Boys Football Girls Fastpitch Softball Girls and Boys Golf * Girls and Boys Nordic Ski * Girls and Boys Soccer Girls Swimming and Diving * Girls and Boys Tennis * Girls and Boys Track and Field Girls Volleyball
	* Indicates Upper School participation eligibility for seventh and eighth graders