December 19, 2024
An MPA education goes beyond the classroom. There are many ways to count it out–the numerous opportunities students have to explore their passions, the many skills they develop that will last a lifetime, a collection of connections and strong relationships beyond the classroom. Let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers that all add up to an MPA education.
1. 55 Upper School elective offerings, 35+ Upper School clubs and organizations, and 25+ Middle School clubs and activities
There is something for everyone at MPA. Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of Middle and Upper school student life. Students are encouraged to explore and try new things in order to discover their passions and themselves. They develop wider social groups, stronger self-confidence, and leadership skills. Plus, students perform better academically when they’re involved at school.
2. #2 Private School in Minnesota
We are proud and humbled to be ranked the #2 private school in Minnesota on Niche! A combination of our excellent academic program, engaging extracurriculars, variety of offerings for students of all ages, and our supportive community filled with Panther pride all have a part in making up this annual ranking.
3. 60 Service hours required for graduation
Designed to allow students to use their energy and skills to help others, the Service Program at Mounds Park Academy encourages students to grow personally by making a positive impact in the world without receiving compensation. Students are required to complete 60 service hours over four years, with 30 hours dedicated to the Senior Service Project.
4. 15 Average class size
Small class size is one of the tried-and-true hallmarks of an MPA education. It benefits students in large and small ways, from hands-on learning and teacher autonomy to stronger connections and research-based long-term success.
5. 7:1 Student-teacher ratio
MPA teachers educate with individualized, differentiated instruction. Small classes enable teachers to truly personalize the educational experience for students, where students learning at a more advanced level do not feel disengaged, and those who may need some remedial help are not lost in the shuffle.
6. 83 Faculty members
MPA teachers are committed to making learning a joyful and rigorous experience. There’s a lot that makes MPA teachers amazing, memorable, and impactful. But their autonomy to be creative and collaborative allows them to not only adjust their lessons to fit the ever-changing world, but to ensure that their students are enjoying what they’re learning. The average faculty tenure at MPA is 11 years and 66% of faculty and administration hold a Master’s degree.
7. 36% of enrolled students identify as students of color
At MPA, Student Affinity Groups exist as safe, voluntary spaces for students who share a common identity to uplift the experience of students in a way that affirms their identity while creating a means for students to take action in bringing forth issues and challenges that may threaten their sense of belonging and success at MPA. Current affinity groups include grades 7-8 BIPOC Affinity Group and Upper School BIPOC Affinity Group.
8. 58 hours of college counseling curriculum with 1:1 college advising
MPA is 100% college preparatory. The college-going culture at MPA is based on developing each student’s unique set of interests, priorities, and aspirations. This process is integrated into each year of Upper School with meetings for students and families with Guidance and College Counseling staff at each stage.
9. MPA Families come from 79 different zip codes
Mounds Park Academy families hail from 79 ZIP codes throughout the greater Twin Cities region. Our community is built upon shared values, not geography, which brings families who are committed to the school’s mission together.
10. PreK-12 on one campus
At every grade level, MPA fosters a spirit of innovation that fuels creative thinking and allows students to experience the joy of learning. MPA’s PreK-12 community allows students across divisions to make connections and learn from one another. For example, Upper School Peer Leaders facilitate Middle School advisory meetings, act as schoolwide conflict managers, and plan programs intended to enhance the entire school’s climate, which benefits students of every age.
The numbers speak for themselves at MPA. From joining a new club, seizing opportunities in student leadership, or exploring an elective that sparks curiosity and joy, every MPA student is encouraged to find their unique path and thrive.
