Upper School Archives

April 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

The Mounds Park Academy community recently lost one of its earliest founders, Karen Benz, whose vision, generosity, and steadfast commitment helped bring this remarkable school to life.

In my first year at MPA, I have found myself reflecting on the courage it took for those early founders to build something from nothing. Karen Benz was one of those people. She believed in the promise of this school before it existed—and because she did, generations of students have benefited. In many ways, we are all standing on the shoulders of Karen and her fellow founders.

MPA itself began as a dream. In December of 1981, founder Bob Kriescher gathered a small group of friends and parents from Breck School to form the first board of Mounds Park Academy. At that moment, there were no students, no teachers, and not even a building—only a compelling idea: a new kind of independent school rooted in curiosity, strong academics, and an inclusive community.

By the spring of 1982, that dream began to take shape—and one of the people who immediately believed in it was Karen. Read More

Upper School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we approach the end of quarter three on Friday, April 3, final exams provide an important opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and demonstrate the learning they have built throughout the term. By using a process called retrieval practice, research in cognitive science consistently shows that revisiting and recalling previously learned material strengthens long‑term understanding. University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation studies on cumulative assessments have found that larger assessments, those that ask students to connect ideas across a unit or course, “support deeper learning and longer retention compared to studying information only once or for short‑term recall.” In this way, final exams significantly improve long-term knowledge retention and information that students will rely on in future courses.

While the words “final exam” can sound intimidating, MPA Upper School exams are designed to function much like larger unit assessments, rather than high‑pressure, “make‑or‑break” and “all or nothing” tests. Educational research in Springer Nature Link emphasizes that, “when exams are aligned with what students have already practiced through classwork, discussions, and prior assessments, they serve as a meaningful extension of learning instead of a surprise or stand‑alone event.” In our upper school courses, teachers prioritize clear expectations, review opportunities, and familiar question formats so that students can approach exams with confidence and preparation.

Final exams also play an important role in helping students synthesize ideas and see connections across a full quarter (nine weeks) of learning. This process mirrors how learning works in the real world, building on prior knowledge, applying skills in new contexts, and thinking across topics. Rather than emphasizing memorization, our exams focus on reasoning, problem‑solving, and demonstrating understanding in ways that align with the course and students’ academic goals. Read More

MPA Speech Team Qualifies Multiple Students For Nationals!

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy speech team, which will again send representatives to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament following strong performances at the national qualifying competition!

Several students earned top finishes and secured qualification to the national stage. Ash Klann was named champion in oratory, while Sidd Sastry placed second in international extemporaneous speaking. Kelvyn Boddipalli took third in humor. All three qualified for the NSDA national tournament. In duo interpretation, the team of Kelvyn Boddipalli and Oslo Norcross placed sixth.

Mounds Park Academy also saw multiple semifinalists. Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh competed in duo interpretation, while Drew Buhr advanced in both international and domestic extemporaneous speaking. Oslo Norcross reached the semifinals in informative speaking, and Andrea Pugh and Kai Nguyen were semifinalists in program oral interpretation. Read More

MPArors Win The Engineering Inspiration Award

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the MPArors, who earned the Engineering Inspiration Award—one of the most prestigious honors in FIRST Robotics—at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth!

The recognition capped off a hard-fought weekend for the team and a bounce back following a slow start. At 0-3 on Friday and ranked 40th out of 42 teams, the MPArors made their move. The team then won seven of its final eight matches to finish with a 7-4 record and climb to 17th place heading into alliance selections.

The top eight alliances selected their playoff partners, while the MPArors waited to learn their next opponent. When Alliance 8 chose them, the team erupted with excitement—validation for months of design, programming, strategy, and teamwork dating back to the start of team meetings in October.

Competing as part of Alliance 8 meant facing the top-seeded alliance in the opening round—an always-daunting challenge. Despite a determined effort, the MPArors fell 247-108, then battled in the lower bracket before a narrow 127-116 loss ended their playoff run.

But the story of the weekend didn’t end there. Rather than heading home, the team stayed to watch the remainder of the competition—a decision that proved meaningful. The playoffs continued as the matches intensified, with faster gameplay, louder crowds, and higher stakes. For newer team members, it was an unforgettable introduction to the energy and scale of a regional event. Read More

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage, enjoy sweet and savory foods from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from two expert henna artists, try your hand at global crafts, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share the culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

New this year—all food and drinks, including boba tea, are complimentary. Hilal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Interested in hosting an informational table on the day of the event? Sign up by clicking here!

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email laurahnicholson@gmail.com or jasminstees@yahoo.com.

Five Things To Know About MPA From Sean Barker

March 9, 2026

From fine arts to an opportunity for creative outlets, Mounds Park Academy pushes Sean Barker while allowing him space and individualized attention to grow. Read on for Sean’s top-five things to know at MPA!

1. MPA has an excellent fine arts program.

I have done choir at MPA for four years and orchestra for six. The fine arts program gives all students the resources and the chance to unlock and enhance their musical capabilities.

2. The small student-to-teacher ratio allows for more individualized learning.

Everybody learns in different ways, and having fewer students at MPA compared to teachers allows for a more individualized learning environment.

3. The Makerspace class gives students an opportunity to use their creativity.

I took the Makerspace class this year and had a very enjoyable time. It gives you the tools and the skills to learn or enhance craftsmanship. Also, all projects in the class give the opportunity to add a creative touch and make it your own.
Read More

Stronger Each Time We Rise

March 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by St. Catherine University in connection with the Manitou Fund, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins, world-renowned violinist and entrepreneur. Watching and listening to her play arrangements from “Fiddler on the Roof” and other pop and classical pieces gave me goosebumps. Her music transported my mind into an imaginary space of wonder and creativity.

Following her performance, she and Sarah Hicks, also world-renowned for her orchestral conducting, came together to reflect on their past, present, and future experiences as female leaders. Together, they spoke about the importance of knowing and creating one’s own sense of belonging. During the Q&A, Kelly Hall-Tompkins shared a reflection that resonated deeply with me as I think about education, our students, and the world we are preparing them to navigate. I will do my best to paraphrase what she offered:

“There is no doubt that you will fall or fail. It’s how quickly you get back up and try again that will determine your ability to succeed. You might see what you believe to be the result in the distance, but if you don’t get there, what did you learn along the way? Where did the journey take you?”

Her words lingered with me, and I see that same message reflected in our own community.

Last Friday afternoon, I attended our annual Upper School SnowDaze event. It had been nearly 15 years since I last wore a pair of ice skates. With the help of a “walker,” I made it around the rink once before deciding it might be better for me to cheer and observe others as they confidently (and sometimes nervously) made their way across the ice. Students of all levels took to the rink. I watched them encourage one another, hold hands, laugh, fall, and get back up again. Read More

Upper School Division News February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we move into the final stretch before spring break, I want to thank our students, families, and faculty for the focus, care, and commitment that define our Upper School community. With just over a week (187 hours to be exact) remaining until break, there is still meaningful academic work underway. There are projects to complete, assessments to prepare for, and responsibilities that require students to remain fully engaged. This time of year can feel demanding as our workload continues to feel as though there is no end to it, but it is also an opportunity to reinforce the habits of perseverance and organization that will serve our MPA Upper School students well beyond the classroom.

Maintaining strong routines and high standards right up to the start of spring break matters. The learning that happens in these final days before a pause is not superfluous—it is an essential part of our curriculum and our shared commitment to excellence. We ask students to continue arriving at school prepared, managing their deadlines and assignments thoughtfully, and supporting one another as classmates, peers, and friends. Doing our best work, even with a two-week break just days away, is a skill that translates directly to college, careers, and adulthood. The American Psychological Association shares, “educational research shows that students who sustain their engagement through the end of a term perform better on cumulative assessments, and maintaining this academic momentum into spring break improves motivation when we return. At the same time, cognitive science tells us that planned breaks enhance memory consolidation and reduce mental fatigue. Rest, especially sleep and time away from screens, is linked to lower stress and stronger emotional resilience in adolescents.”

At the same time, spring break offers an important and well-earned opportunity for rest. We encourage students to use this time intentionally to recharge both physically and mentally. Whether that means spending time outdoors, reconnecting with family and friends, or simply slowing down and stepping away from our technological devices and the daily academic demands, allows students to return to school on March 23 refreshed and better prepared for the “push” to the end of the school year. Read More

A Chance To Experience MPA On A School Day!

February 20, 2026

The school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, April 24, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action. The event will end with an opportunity to connect with school leadership and ask any questions you may have—both about the year ahead and what the MPA journey can look like in the years to come. This event is designed for the adult members of your family—if you will be bringing a child, please do let us know.

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

RSVP today to discover why Mounds Park Academy is the #2-ranked private school in Minnesota.

RSVP Today

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The Center For Inclusive Teaching And Learning

February 19, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Two years ago, when interviewing for the head of school role at MPA, I remember learning about the formation of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (CITL). Diagnosed with a fair share of learning differences myself, I connected deeply with the concept. Learning about the CITL made me excited to hear that MPA wanted to further its goal of supporting and knowing each child for who they are and what they bring to school each day, inside and out.

Since arriving at MPA, I have seen evidence of the efforts developed through phase one, including the use of common language, awareness, and implementation of Universal Design for Learning in the classroom. Conversations supporting all students—with and without learning differences—occur on a daily basis. Students have greater agency in their learning environment-choosing where to sit, how to help regulate their bodies and minds, and what technology tools may help expand their ability to absorb and process information.

As Ashley Goetzke shared in her recent communication for this year’s Spring Auction paddle raise, “Phase Two of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning is about creating a space that reflects who we are as a school and who we want to become. Not a space for ‘some’ students. A space for all students. A space for focus and testing, for tutoring and enrichment, for collaboration and creativity. A space where rigor and support exist together. A space that signals to current and prospective families that MPA understands how students learn in 2026 and beyond.” Read More