Student Experience Archives

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 Andrew And Ben George ’17

July 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
This is a very, very welcoming and respectful environment. It’s really amazing how many different opportunities there are here. In the public school you can excel at one, maybe two things—and our friends are doing that well—but our experiences are so much more varied.

How have you been encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
This is a very individual-centered place where it’s cool to be involved and follow your passions.

What would you tell another parent considering MPA?
We had many friends, and were sad to part from them, but we fit in really well as soon as we came. It is easy to connect with our teachers because they are so enthusiastic and our classes are so small.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
All of our classes are discussion-based. Our teachers want to hear what we have to say and insist we take a stance and defend it. I know that helps us excel today, and will help us continue to excel broadly in the future.

Andrew now attends Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA and Ben attends Carleton College in Northfield, MN.