April 13, 2023
from Bill Hudson, head of school
The independence of Mounds Park Academy is fundamental to who we are. I bristle when people talk about MPA as a “private” school, partly because of an implied privilege or elitism, but more importantly, because independence allows the school to be purely mission-driven and not beholden to a larger entity such as state, federal, or religious oversight.
Independent schools share certain fundamental characteristics of purpose, structure, and operation that define a school’s independence:
- Independent incorporation as a non-profit 501(c)(3) institution with clearly stated educational goals and non-discriminatory policies in admissions and employment.
- An individually developed mission and guiding principles as the foundation for the school’s program.
- A self-perpetuating governing body whose role is to plan for the future, set overall policy, ensure the school’s financial sustainability and independence (primarily through setting tuition and generating charitable giving), and appoint and support the head of school.
- An administration free to implement the school’s mission by designing and articulating its program, hiring and developing a capable and qualified faculty and staff, and admitting those students whom the school determines it can best serve.
- A commitment to continuous institutional growth and quality manifested by participation in the ISACS septennial accreditation process.
If independent schools are truly independent, how are they accountable? Accountability in independent schools is achieved by the Board of Trustees and through accreditation. Mounds Park Academy is accredited by the Independent Schools Accreditation of the Central States (ISACS). ISACS was founded in 1908 and serves over 240 member schools in thirteen states. The mission of ISACS mission is to lead schools in providing exemplary education and is committed to fostering and furthering equitable, affirming, safe, and just environments for independent schools. ISACS accreditation is recognized by the state of Minnesota. Universities and colleges nationwide also recognize ISACS accreditation, and the College Board recognizes ISACS as an accrediting body for secondary schools.
The ISACS accreditation is a rigorous and comprehensive process that certifies that ISACS standards have been met and is aimed at helping schools review their mission and improve their programs through a continuous cycle of introspection, evaluation, and revision. Schools accredited by ISACS must meet 40 standards organized under three overarching categories: administration and operations, teaching and learning, and mission and governance. After completing a comprehensive survey of all school constituencies, the school spends a year conducting an intensive self-study. The following year, the school hosts an ISACS accreditation team, chaired by an accreditation team leader (a head of school) and composed of teachers and administrators competent to assess the various aspects of the school. The accreditation team recommends accreditation and issues a report based on findings from the visit and a comparison of these with the self-study report.
MPA is currently in year six of a seven-year accreditation cycle. MPA is required to submit a formal Progress Report next month that includes an update on strategic planning, along with our most recently completed financial audit. The ISACS accreditation team visited MPA in the fall of 2018 and provided 36 reports with 142 commendations and 106 recommendations. Over the past five years, the board, administration, faculty, and staff have been hard at work considering and implementing the recommendations based on our strategic plan.
Next week, I will spend four days in Chicago, leading an ISACS accreditation team at Morgan Park Academy. It is the fifth team I’ve led, and I am looking forward to serving Morgan Park Academy (the other MPA!) and the Independent Schools Accreditation of the Central States (ISACS). Leading an accreditation team is an honor. Accountability through accreditation is crucial to a school’s independence and success.
You might be interested in the four commendations and four recommendations of the accreditation visiting team presented to MPA in October 2018.
The ISACS visiting team commends Mounds Park Academy for its:
- Commitment to the mission that permeates the school and lives within empathetic, compassionate, and kind people. Because they are comfortable being their authentic selves, students and teachers are joyful learners who care deeply for and about each other.
- Safe, creative, and challenging environment cultivated for all students, affirming their uniqueness and inspired by the needs of each child. Students are invested in their own education and provided the tools to examine their values and create the life that is right for them.
- Creativity and resilience while emerging from hard times to reinvigorate the founding spirit and adventuresome energy of MPA’s initial vision.
- Return to financial stability under the inspired leadership of the Head of School who deeply values the dedicated faculty and staff and recognizes the sacrifices made by all.
The ISACS visiting team recommends that Mounds Park Academy:
- Building on the discipline that enabled MPA to strengthen its financial position, maintain a strategic approach to the allocation of funds, so that as additional revenues become available, the School is able to invest in programs that align with key priorities
- Actualize the school’s Mission statement by diversifying its faculty and administration.
- Build upon current optimism and high level of buy-in to tackle challenging and time-consuming projects that will further clarify, define, and align MPA’s academic program and, thus, differentiate that program in the local community.
- Look anew at certain existing frustrations—such as schedule, support services, and divisional alignment—with an eye toward systemic, school wide solutions, recognizing that a certain degree of compromise might lead to a simplicity of function that offsets any concessions made.
