January 9, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
As we approach the midpoint of this academic year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting us with your child’s education. Returning to school after a long break can be tough for anyone, especially our students, but it was wonderful to see the excitement and joy on the faces of our students on Monday. The privilege of partnering with you to nurture, challenge, and inspire your children is one that I cherish deeply. Today, I invite you to reflect on the extraordinary value of a Mounds Park Academy education and the enduring impact it has on our students, families, and community.
Although we are in the depth of winter, we are already hard at work planning for the 2025-2026 school year. Our outstanding admission team is hard at work fielding inquiries from prospective families and guiding them toward enrollment. In just a few weeks, we will begin the re-enrollment process for returning families. At their January 27 meeting, the MPA Board of Trustees will approve a preliminary budget for the upcoming school year by setting tuition and determining compensation for faculty and staff. This is a challenging task because the decision is made on an enrollment forecast of both new and returning students. However, it is important for parents and guardians to know tuition before re-enrolling, which allows the school to offer work agreements to teachers before spring break.
On January 31, you will receive a re-enrollment agreement via TADS and I ask you to complete it by February 15. Re-enrollment is more than an administrative step; it’s a recommitment to a shared vision for your child’s future. Here are a few reasons why I believe MPA continues to be the best choice:
- A Rigorous and Relevant Academic Program: Our dedicated and caring faculty are experts in their fields and deeply committed to cultivating intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Through innovative teaching methods, a challenging curriculum, and hands-on learning experiences, students are prepared not only for success in college but also for a future that demands critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. From STEM to the humanities, arts, and athletics, our holistic program equips students with the skills to excel in an ever-changing world.
- A Focus on Social-Emotional Growth: At MPA, we believe that success is as much about character as it is about knowledge. Our emphasis on social-emotional learning ensures that students develop resilience, empathy, and the ability to navigate life’s complexities. With small class sizes and a dedicated faculty, every child is known, supported, and encouraged to grow into their best selves. MPA also provides caring counselors who work one-on-one with students and in large group settings helping students PreK-12 navigate their world. With a 7:1 ratio, MPA far surpasses the Minnesota ratio.
- A Vibrant and Inclusive Community: Community is the heart of MPA. Our families, students, and staff come together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just aspirations; they are values that guide our actions and enrich our community. By learning alongside peers with diverse perspectives, our students grow into compassionate global citizens who are prepared to make a difference.
- Opportunities Beyond the Classroom: The MPA experience extends far beyond the classroom walls. From performing arts productions to athletic competitions, from robotics competitions to service-learning initiatives, your child has opportunities to discover their passions and develop leadership skills. These experiences foster a sense of purpose and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
- A Track Record of Success: Our alumni are a testament to the power of an MPA education. They go on to excel at prestigious colleges and universities, pursue meaningful careers, and lead with integrity and purpose. The foundation they build here enables them to thrive in an ever-evolving world, and they remain connected to the MPA community long after graduation. For example, Zach Quinn ’11, co-founder of Love Your Melon, has now created Oceanfoam, an innovative active lifestyle company. The pioneering company is making foam products with algae and recycled foam and has cleaned over 1M+ gallons of water, removed 1.3K+ tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and removed 7.9K+ pounds of plastic from the ocean.
By choosing to re-enroll at MPA, you are giving your child the gift of an education that is unparalleled in its breadth, depth, and impact. You are ensuring that they will continue to be part of a community that values their individuality, nurtures their potential, and prepares them to lead lives of purpose and meaning.
As you make your family’s plans for the next school year, I encourage you to reach out to your division director or to me with any questions or thoughts. Whether you’d like to discuss your child’s experience, learn more about what’s ahead, or simply share your perspective, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
At MPA, we are steadfast in our mission to prepare students to be leaders, dreamers, doers, and right-makers. Our whole-child approach to education ensures that every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. We understand that every child is unique, and we celebrate their individuality by providing an inclusive environment where they feel safe to take risks, develop their passions, and discover their purpose.
Together, let’s continue to inspire and empower each child to dream big, do right, and accomplish amazing things. Thank you for being an integral part of the MPA family.
