My MPA Experience Archives

November 14, 2017

Class of 2025

What do you love about MPA?
School makes me feel happy, joyful and excited! There are days when I think, “Oh no! I’m so sick, but I really want to go to school to see my teachers and my friends.” I just love how we all treat each other.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
We learn cool words like inclusiveness. We learn how to be kind to other people and that giving is important.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
It is like my home because everyone is so nice, kind, and considerate. Sure, you go to your real home and have dinner and go to sleep. But then you wake up and feel excited, like it’s going to be a great day at your other home, at your school!

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
When there is a problem, our teachers sometimes tell us to work it out on our own because we are good enough and smart enough. However, sometimes they help us because we’ve made a mistake and need another solution. MPA teaches us all these special things that get us ready for the world.

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 Ms. LaChapelle

November 14, 2017

PreK teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
5 years

What do you love about MPA?
The students and families, nurturing community, and great colleagues who are passionate about what they do.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
Students are given opportunities to create, explore, experiment, participate in community service projects, and have their ideas and opinions heard.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
MPA is a warm community with faculty and staff who are passionate about what they do. Small class sizes offer many one-on-one learning opportunities. The learning environment is engaging and hands-on. And being in a PreK through 12 school provides opportunities for cross-grade level activities that are so unique.

In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
I offer open-ended, hands-on learning opportunities. And I encourage problem-solving, public speaking, and becoming more independent. Read More

Meet Pranay Somayajula ’18

October 25, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
One word—community. I love that MPA is such a tightly knit community and you have the ability to form close and lasting relationships, whether they are with another student, an MPA parent, or a faculty member. MPA is unique in that it not only provides an opportunity to form close bonds, but that it actively encourages their formation.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Every day in class, we are pushed to consider not just the information that we are learning, but the implications of those concepts on a broader global scale now and in the future. Whether the class is English, science, math, or history, we are encouraged to apply everything we learn to make a positive difference outside the classroom.

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
I can say with the utmost confidence that I would not be the person I am today, with the achievements and ambitions that I currently have, were it not for the outstanding education and community here at MPA. This school provided me with a support system that has allowed me over the years to find my voice, become more outgoing, and think beyond just myself in a way that makes me feel entirely prepared to go off to college and the real world next year. Read More

Meet Ling DeBellis ’19

October 16, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
From the beginning, MPA focuses on every part of learning—curiosity, creativity, and discovery. In Lower School, it’s letting you grow, giving you a solid foundation of asking questions, and experiencing new things. In Middle School, it’s learning how and why things work. There’s emphasis on independence and self-expression. In Upper School, it’s connecting the dots, learning to find deeper meaning and themes within all subjects. MPA has made me a thinker and a better human.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I know it’s okay to be me. I know that I can do what I set my mind to. I’m unstoppable because MPA has taught me to question, to think, and to care in every aspect of my life—academic and social.

If you have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
MPA is my home. I started in PreK in 2005 (first PreK class).

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
It’s a great place for your kids to grow up—it feels safe. We are a community. And the classes are amazing with even more amazing teachers. Read More

Meet Erik Sand ’03

September 29, 2017

Ph.D. student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Joanne Olson 13-Year Club Member

What do you love about MPA?
Academic rigor isn’t the only thing that matters. MPA is an environment that is infused with values like acceptance, respect, and tolerance. I know this emphasis is not found at all schools and it helped shape who I am today.

How were you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I served our country in active duty with the Navy for eight years, completed my undergraduate degree at Harvard University, and am currently a Ph.D. student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying political science and international relations. All of the important skills I needed for graduate school, I learned in 10th grade at MPA. I was taught how to teach myself and to learn for the sake of learning.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I was at MPA for 13 years and familiarity is something humans value tremendously. But for me, it’s more than just that. MPA will become part of who your child is. Read More

Meet Ms. Kimmerle

September 29, 2017

Fourth grade teacher
Lower School Parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 13th year.

What do you love about MPA?
When I arrived on campus 12 years ago, I was immediately drawn to the passion that the school had for maintaining and building a diverse community. Having worked in San Francisco previously, I thought I was at the epicenter of an educational environment that valued diversity. I was wrong. That was here, at MPA.

Then there are the students. From my first eighth grade class, to my current fourth graders, I have been impressed with each and every one of them. There is a light … a spark … you do not find that everywhere.

And then there are my colleagues. Watching them is what makes me strive to be better each day. I’ve never been around a harder working, more dedicated group of professionals.

I love MPA as a faculty member, clearly. But now, as a parent, I can hardly put into words my love for the school without getting teary eyed. My children are thriving here, and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them! Read More

Meet Melissa Peacock & Family

September 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
I love that students can follow their interests and try new things at all ages. It is perfectly normal for a soccer player to be involved in a theater production and compete on the robotics team. Kids are encouraged by the teachers and their peers to try things outside their comfort zone. It is a safe space to discover new interests and be passionate about learning.

How are your children encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Acceptance of individuality and inclusivity is core to MPA. It creates a safe space to try different things. My girls were not interested in sports, but in Middle School they were encouraged to join a team. They discovered they loved the camaraderie of being on a team and adrenaline rush of competition. They learned sportsmanship, team first, and that winning at all costs isn’t really winning.

If your children have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Our kids came from a Montessori foundation in early elementary school and transitioned smoothly to MPA. They were ready for a larger school and a more structured (yet still very hands-on) learning environment. MPA also offered more robust athletics and arts, which was all on campus during and after school. Combined with the busing from our home in North Oaks, that was very convenient. Read More

Meet Dr. Bill Hudson

August 18, 2017

How many years have you been at MPA? Four years

What do you love about MPA?
I love the relationships between the students and their teachers and other adults in the building. Those relationships are built upon trust and respect and creates a safe, nurturing, and joyful school culture.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
Dreams are grounded in a sense of safety and through self-confidence and take flight through curiosity and creativity. MPA students thrive in such a culture and, through academic and character education, come to the realization that it is their responsibility to serve the common good.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Having grades PreK-12 all under one roof has brought me tremendous joy and a sense of purpose. To witness children and young people discover who they are is a privilege. I love to see the way in which our younger students look up to the older students and the responsibility the older students feel for their younger buddies is incredibly fulfilling. Read More

Meet The Baldwin Family

July 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
We love the MPA community, and the impact being part of the community has on our young child.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
As a student in PreK, Anna is surrounded by older students who model this behavior. She wants to do everything they do.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
The engagement of the teachers at MPA is second to none. Also, an often overlooked component of the school is the behind-the-scenes faculty. Whether it’s the Facilities staff ensuring kids get across the parking lot safely, the Development Office planning and executing the auction, or the Admission staff greeting each student by name on their first day of school, the way the school is run also makes a big difference in the parents’ experience.

What would you tell another parent considering MPA?
MPA is the best decision you can make for your child. Read More

Meet The Mick Family

July 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
MPA is an absolute gem of a school. There is a strong commitment to and follow-through with caring for others, and teaching respect toward others, all the while providing the students with an environment where developing the individual is very important.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Our kindergartner is constantly encouraged and supported to reach further within his capabilities. The students are consistently supported to make thoughtful decisions, by wonderful, expert teaching staff.

What would you tell another parent considering MPA?
MPA is the place to be. It is where students flourish, are given life skills that will serve them well in their adult lives, while providing a wide, varied curriculum that gives them a tremendous advantage for further learning. Both horizontal and vertical pattern knowledge is layered in with thoughtful application.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
Our student, though only in Kindergarten, has been given tools of caring, support, understanding, negotiation, and is learning to verbalize issues. The result is a very well rounded student who considers others, as well as himself, who is caring, and thoughtful toward others. Read More