My MPA Experience Archives

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