Lower School Archives

The Next Chapter For Early Childhood At MPA

June 25, 2026

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the June 27 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Choosing the right early education program is one of the most important decisions families make. In a recent article, Minnesota Parent highlighted five hallmarks of an outstanding program: caring teachers, a welcoming environment, a play-based curriculum, small class sizes, and strong accreditation standards. At Mounds Park Academy, these principles have guided our Early Childhood program for more than 20 years, and we are now proud to share two exciting milestones that strengthen our commitment to our students and their families.

MPA has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading accrediting body for early childhood education. MPA is the only PreK-12 school in Minnesota, as well as the only independent school in the state, to hold this distinction. This is a true reflection of the exceptional learning experiences our youngest students enjoy every day.

The additional exciting news is that we are also expanding our Early Childhood program beginning in 2027-28 with two dedicated classrooms: a Preschool classroom for children beginning at age three and a PreKindergarten classroom for children in their final year before kindergarten. These milestones build on a program that has long been known for its joyful learning environment, experienced educators, and personalized approach to helping children grow with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Read More

MPA Announces Early Childhood Expansion & Accreditation

June 23, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

In my first year as head of school, few moments have brought me more joy than sharing this news with you.

I am delighted to announce two significant milestones for Mounds Park Academy’s Early Childhood program—milestones that reflect years of dedication, thoughtful leadership, exceptional teaching, and the trust families continue to place in our school.

MPA has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading accrediting body for early childhood education. MPA is the only PreK-12 school in the state—and the only independent school in Minnesota—to hold NAEYC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience from a child’s very first days on campus.

In addition, beginning in the 2027-28 school year, we will expand our Early Childhood program to include two dedicated classrooms: a Preschool classroom for our youngest learners beginning at age three and a PreKindergarten classroom designed specifically for children in their final year before kindergarten.

Together, these accomplishments represent an exciting new chapter for MPA and a powerful affirmation of the exceptional work happening every day in our Early Childhood program.

NAEYC accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard in early childhood education. The process requires schools to demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the program, including curriculum, teaching practices, family partnerships, health and safety, assessment, leadership, and continuous improvement. Read More

Welcome to MPA, Mrs. Erika Beernink!

June 12, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Erika Beernink will continue serving as a Lower School assistant permanently at MPA. Get to know Erika better below.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
Before joining MPA’s Lower School to help this past fall, I helped coach MPA’s Middle School Robotics Team. Prior to that, I volunteered at my children’s previous schools, practiced Estate Planning and Probate law, worked in investment management, management consulting, and, a really long time ago, taught ballet.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
When we came to our first family visit, I was immediately attracted to MPA’s health as an institution. Everything from student outcomes to facilities to the strategic plan to the benefits for faculty felt well-tended and cared for. That kind of health supports a strong and vibrant community, something that I wanted to be part of.

Welcome To MPA, Mrs. Sarah Hong!

June 12, 2026

Welcome to MPA, Sarah Hong! Mrs. Hong will be joining MPA this fall as our Lower School counselor, and we are excited to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am from Anaheim Elementary School.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I completed my undergraduate and graduate work in psychology. I hold a Marriage and Family Therapy license in California. I specialize in working with children and adolescents.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I love the tight community of MPA and the emphasis on working with the parents to better the school experience for children. MPA seems like a very special place to work and get to pour into.

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cieyana Carter!

June 12, 2026

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cieyana Carter! Cieyana will be working this summer with Panther Programs, and we are excited to introduce her to our community.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I’m currently getting a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education with a minor in coaching, and an Adaptive Physical Education certification. I’ve worked at summer camps over the past few years.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
It was near my house, and it seemed like a good place to work! It will give me good experience, and I could see myself working at MPA for a long time.

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cindy Mori!

June 12, 2026

We are excited to share that Ms. Cindy Mori will be joining the MPA community as an interim admission manager! Please read more about Cindy and her background below.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming to MPA from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
After graduating from UW-Madison (Go Badgers!), I began my television career at CNN in Washington D.C. where I spent four years working on political talk shows. As my interests evolved, I moved to New York City, then to Los Angeles to work for Good Morning America, covering breaking news and entertainment. Eventually, I got my dream job with Oprah Winfrey and have had the privilege of working for her on a myriad of projects for the last 27 years. In June, I wrapped my latest role and, more importantly, mission-driven work as the VP of Events for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Community, big thinkers, and joy embody MPA, and relocating my family from Los Angeles meant we needed to land somewhere with all those qualities. We found them! (Cindy is a current Upper School parent.)

Welcome to MPA, Mr. Will Dierenfield!

June 12, 2026

We are excited to welcome MPA alum Mr. Will Dierenfield ’09, who is an alum returning to our community to work with the Panther Club this summer.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from William Nunn Painting.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I was very lucky to attend MPA for high school and have some excellent teachers, and then again at Macalester College. I hope all who attend MPA are as lucky as I was.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I attended MPA as a student and still know a few staff members. It’s a small, welcoming environment and I look forward to working with the children.

How Schools & Families Can Support Student Well-Being

May 29, 2026

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe that student well-being is foundational to meaningful learning, healthy relationships, and personal growth. In recent years, families and schools alike have seen a significant increase in student anxiety. While anxiety has always been a part of the human experience, today’s students are navigating a uniquely complex world—one filled with constant connectivity, academic pressure, social comparison, uncertainty, and rapid change.

As educators and parents, we share a common goal: helping young people grow into confident, resilient, compassionate individuals who know how to care for themselves and others. Supporting student well-being is not solely the responsibility of schools or families alone. It requires partnership, communication, and a shared commitment to creating environments where children feel known, supported, and capable. At MPA, we take this responsibility seriously.

The Role of School

Schools play a critical role in helping students develop the emotional tools they need to navigate challenges. Academic excellence and student well-being are not opposing goals; in fact, they are deeply connected. Students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and supported. A positive school experience strengthens a student’s overall sense of well-being.

At MPA, we strive to create a culture where students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, ask for help, build healthy relationships, and develop a strong sense of self. This work happens in countless ways every day: through meaningful advisory relationships, caring teachers, developmentally responsive programming, opportunities for creativity and leadership, and intentional conversations around balance and belonging. Read More

End Of Year Celebrations

May 28, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

We have so much to celebrate in the next few days! I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming end-of-year celebrations and ceremonies that mark the end of the 2025-26 school year. I want to thank the entire MPA community for your care, honesty, partnership, and energy. Schools are shaped and defined by the people within. Our community continues to show what is possible when people are willing to work together, support one another, and stay committed to our collective growth and success.

This year asked all of us to navigate moments of celebration, change, challenge, and growth. Not every moment was easy. I am deeply grateful that through it all, our shared commitment to dreaming big and doing right remained at the center of our work with students and with each other.

To our parents, guardians, and friends, thank you for showing up. Whether volunteering for field trips, supporting classroom projects, attending performances and games, hosting visiting students, participating in community service, or simply checking in on one another during difficult moments, you helped strengthen the sense of connection that makes MPA special. Read More

Lower School Division News May 21, 2026

May 21, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

We started this year still finding our footing. New faces in classrooms. New routines being built. New trust being earned. We asked a lot of our kids, and they delivered. We asked a lot of each other and we showed up. Not perfectly. But with intention. That matters.

We learned that students are more capable than we sometimes give them credit for. When we gave them a voice, they used it wisely. When we raised our expectations, they rose to meet them. When we built structures that were clear and consistent, they thrived inside them. That is not a small thing. That is the work.

We also learned that community is not just a word we put in a mission statement. It is what happens when a family sends a hard email and a teacher responds with care. It is what happens when a child is struggling and the adults around them refuse to give up. It is what happens when we disagree and still choose to stay in a relationship. You have been that kind of community this year. I am grateful.

We have grown. Read More