My MPA Experience Archives

February 13, 2018

Third grade teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
Thirty years plus—I started teaching at MPA in the 1985-86 school year.

What do you love about MPA?
I love the individualized instruction and attention we can give each student. Due to small class sizes, we know our students very well and can give them the support and positive interactions they need to grow as learners. We differentiate each lesson and help each student become the best they can be, and to grow and thrive each day. Feeling positive about learning and having confidence to move ahead to meet expectations means everything. These components are the recipe for success.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
We love all of our students as individuals and support their dreams, efforts, and strengths. We encourage them, every day, throughout their world of learning and growing.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
It is different because we truly “believe” in kids.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I would say, “If you want your student to be supported and celebrated as a learner, leader, and achiever, come to MPA!” Read More

Meet Colleen Casey

January 24, 2018

Lower School parent
Lake Elmo

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
The teachers and the environment they foster in the classroom. I love the early exposure to a foreign language, art, and music.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at Mounds Park Academy?
CHAMP assemblies and the big kids consistently mentoring the littles.

What would you tell another family considering Mounds Park Academy?
It is worth the investment. The teachers view their jobs as a calling and go above and beyond. They really get to know each student.

In what ways has Mounds Park Academy prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
To be inclusive.

What do you hope for your child in 20 years?
That they are independent, kind, and hold high self esteem while being humble.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your Mounds Park Academy experience?
It was the right decision to send both kids here.

Mounds Park Academy, a PreK-12 private school in Saint Paul, is currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year. For more information about admission and to schedule your tour, visit moundsparkacademy.org/admission. We look forward to getting to know your family!

Meet Mr. Thomsen

January 24, 2018

Upper School science teacher

How many years have you been at Mounds Park Academy?
Since 1991! So, 27 years.

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
Faculty, staff, and students who are interested in life and love learning.

How does Mounds Park Academy nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
MPA helps students learn how to become effective, efficient learners and be active citizen-scientists in the 21st century.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at Mounds Park Academy been different?
MPA is a true learning community. The faculty and staff work very hard to help every student learn and set high goals and standards.

What would you tell a parent considering Mounds Park Academy?
MPA is a place that focuses on the growth of the learner. It works to help people get the most out of their education and helps them to make a sound decision on their next steps after high school.

In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
We cultivate students who are confident in their ability to learn and work well with others and are interested and invested in their community, state, and country.

What do you hope for Mounds Park Academy students in 20 years?
That they are leading the kind of exciting life that goes beyond the dreams they had when they were at MPA.

Meet Ms. Petersen

January 12, 2018

Kindergarten teacher

How many years have you been at Mounds Park Academy?
I have taught kindergarten at MPA for 34 years.

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
I love waking up every morning excited to go to school to learn! I love learning about my students, their families, my colleagues, myself, our community, and the world.

I love when students take one of my lessons and bridges it with a family experience. For example, I introduced Japan for “Letter Jj” and we talked about the Japanese Peace Bell in Duluth, Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, I received a picture of one of my students ringing the bell while on vacation with her family. This proves that what we do is purposeful and meaningful. Our students make connections between their life experiences and school learning.

I love the people with whom I teach. I have had the honor of working with an incredible group of teachers. They have shared their talents, expertise, and life with me throughout the last 30 years. Each one of them has helped me grow and become the teacher I am today. I am grateful.

I love being in a PreK-12 school and watching my former students travel on their life journeys. When last year’s senior class members were in kindergarten, the theme was The Wizard of Oz. I fondly remember the little ones who joined me on the yellow brick road 14 years ago. Oh, the joy of watching them turn into the young men and women they are today. One student from this class indicated she would be president someday. Perhaps I will receive an invitation to the White House to visit her!

I love MPA because all who enter through our doors immediately feel our warmth, our joy, and our passion. They are inspired to dream big and do right. What a gift! Read More

Meet Dr. Ranjan Dahiya

January 12, 2018

Lower, Middle, and Upper School Parent
Woodbury, Minnesota

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
The community.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at Mounds Park Academy?
Through their teachers and friends. And from seeing the achievements of other students.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at Mounds Park Academy been different?
More challenging and more rewarding. Smaller class sizes. Mounds Park Academy has very engaged teachers who have the time to give valuable one-on-one feedback.

What would you tell another family considering Mounds Park Academy?
We were impressed by how welcoming the students and teachers were when our students started at MPA. And the teachers are very good at building students’ foundational skills.

In what ways has Mounds Park Academy prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
They address multiple aspects of education including critical thinking, productive communication, and technology skills. Read More

Meet the Law Family

December 27, 2017

Upper School
White Bear Lake, Minnesota

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
We wanted a place that would develop them as whole people. We wanted a healthy balance of arts, foreign language, athletics, and, of course academics, but we wanted them to discuss and analyze topics, rather than just choose from four options on a test. Most importantly, it needed to be a place they could develop the confidence they needed to try anything.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at Mounds Park Academy?
Where I went to school, kids were pegged—smart kids, athletic kids, artsy kids—but at MPA there are no boundaries or limitations. That’s a beautiful thing. And, teachers lead by example at MPA without even articulating the expectation. The expectation clearly is that you will all take care of each other.

What would you tell another parent considering Mounds Park Academy?
I didn’t expect the academic rigor to be as great, but when I look at the depth of their studies and their level of understanding, I am truly impressed. What’s unique is that it is not to the point that they are stressed out. Expectations are high, but their teachers truly want them to do well in all areas and to live balanced lives. Read More

Meet Ms. Mastel

December 27, 2017

Drama Faculty
MPA Parent

What do you love about MPA?
So many things! As a teacher and a parent, I love that drama is part of the curriculum at MPA. It really shows the dedication of teaching the whole child. I also love that at MPA the “joy of learning” is imbedded into the school’s mission.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
My daughter is given options and choices for her own learning. She is taught skills that encourage independence, self-confidence, and advocacy. But the focus doesn’t stay on the individual—Lily’s teachers have projects that foster collaboration, team building, and simply being a good friend. During a recent “music share,” my daughter was nervous and forget her song … she looked at one of her friends who mouthed the first line and then Lily was ready to go. The next day, that friend began crying when a cookie fell to the ground at the school picnic and Lily immediately turned to comfort her. These are foundations that will last a lifetime.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Lily was originally enrolled at a different elementary school, until I was hired at MPA. I remember the moment during my tour when I started to look at the school as not just a potential teacher, but as a parent who wants the best for her child. She has more opportunities for physical education, art, drama, music, computers, and for creativity in the Makerspace. Many schools have cut art programs, meanwhile MPA has it as a required class through eighth grade. Also, the small class sizes cannot be beat! Read More

Meet Jonas Lim

December 8, 2017

Lower School Parent

What do you love about MPA?
The quality of the teachers, and the genuine concern, focus on, and love for the students. The philosophy of educating the students to be intelligent and socially responsible individuals.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
The class curriculum provides my daughter the opportunity to try different things and develop the skills necessary to accomplish anything or everything she wants to do. MPA encourages and informs my daughter about what is right, but also teaches her to respect that everyone is free to have their own opinion.

What would you tell another family considering MPA?
I would tell you that your child will receive focused attention by the teachers. Your child will be allowed to be whoever she wants to be. Your child will be encouraged to be a unique individual at her own pace. Your child will become socially responsible and able to tackle the challenges of today’s ever changing world.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
It has given her the chance to develop the skills and intellect needed for today’s world. For example, I like the fact each child is given the opportunity to work on different projects and present those project to other students and/or parents. This allows the child to build confidence necessary for the 21st century, whether it is in communicating with others at a job or articulating their dreams. Read More

Meet Priya Manda ’20

November 27, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
I love the community and the way I feel encouraged to push myself and strive to do my best. I also love how there are so many resources within the community to help me achieve my goals.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
One way in which I’m encouraged is through the academically competitive nature of the students. Almost all of the students push themselves and want to accomplish a lot and are supported by the school—this makes you want to work hard too. I feel like MPA has encouraged me to pursue anything I would like and, in many ways, I feel like with my Mounds Park Academy education, I can.

If you have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
The school I went to before was very small and I felt like I wasn’t pushed at all. I remember that when I came to MPA I was shocked by how rigorous the classes were and how many opportunities I had.

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
I would tell them that because of my MPA education I feel like I have so many options for colleges and careers that I could pursue. In a way, I feel limitless.

In what ways has MPA prepared you for life?
I feel like I’m really well prepared for college because of MPA. I know that I will be able to handle and accomplish a lot thanks to my experience in high school.

What do you dream for yourself in 20 years?
This is hard! I would love to be a surgeon or work in human rights. Either way, I see myself settled down and successful!

Priya Manda now attends the University of Southern California.

Meet Ms. Murr

November 27, 2017

Upper School history teacher
Lower and Middle School parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 14th year teaching at MPA.

What do you love about MPA?
Usually, when we talk about people being themselves at MPA, we are referencing the students. This is absolutely a strength of the school and a huge part of the reason that I choose to send my two boys to MPA. At the same time, I also love to work at MPA because I too have the freedom to be myself. Students rarely snicker when I get worked up about the pre-Civil War caning of Sumner or tear up over the trauma of 9/11. Instead, they are willing to let go of their own adolescent insecurities and uncertainties and join me in an intense and personal exploration of history. This makes every day in the classroom unimaginably fulfilling and explains why I love MPA.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
I think I have grown particularly interested in the “Do Right” aspect of this phrase. By studying the mistakes of the past, I stress to students that they can and must do better. While some might see this as a dim or negative approach to teaching history, I hope that it empowers and motivates students to right the wrongs of the past.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
“Do you have an hour or two?” is probably how I would start. It is that difficult to capture the full power of an MPA education. Recognizing, however, that time is short, I would stress that MPA equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to make the world a better place, thereby making their lives richer and more fulfilling. Read More