Upper School

Experience MPA: Final PreK-12 Preview Thursday, January 22

January 9, 2026

Two girls looking up. Private School AdmissionsThe final PreK-12 Preview of the school year will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 5-7 PM,  and we warmly invite you to join us on campus and spend the evening exploring campus at your own pace. Take a student-led tour, connect with faculty, engage with casual experiences, and/or enjoy a light meal. You are invited to pause, connect, and ask questions along the way.

Student-led tours depart every 15 minutes from the Family Commons. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and are organized in small groups by division. Faculty and staff will be throughout the Family Commons, representing curricular areas, student support, admission, tuition, and more. Stop by to ask questions and connect about the topics that matter most to your family. Enjoy a scratch-made meal in the Family Commons, including pizza, a salad bar, and a pasta bar.

Experiences

These all-ages experiences invite you to explore campus, meet additional faculty, and get a feel for the MPA way.

Lower School Homeroom Teacher Meet & Connect

Homeroom Classrooms | PreK: 105, Kindergarten 103 & 104, Grade 1: 109, Grade 2: 112, Grade 3: 113,Grade 4, 106, 116, 117

Step inside the homeroom for the grade(s) you’re exploring and meet the teachers who guide each day. While your child enjoys casual activities, learn more about the space and the student experience.

Coding For All Ages

Stephanie Kollm | Library

Drive, code, and create using Indi Cars, Sphero Bolts, and OctoStudio. This real-world experience offers a fun, approachable introduction to coding concepts through movement, design, and exploration.

Art Walk

Samah Fahmy, Ellen Scharfenberg | Gallery, Rossbach Art Walk

Wander, wonder, and connect as you explore the current Upper School visual arts exhibit. Meet visual arts faculty, learn about the creative process behind the work, and enjoy the gallery together.

Marble Roll

Keith Braafladt, Michael Moran, Sean Andrews | Makerspace

Design, build, and test as you create a rolling marble course in the Makerspace. This hands-on challenge encourages teamwork, creativity, patience, and a whole lot of joyful problem-solving.

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

 

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Save The Date For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 9, 2026

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 17, 2026! MPA’s largest and most spirited fundraising event of the year is back, and this time we’re bringing the party to Lowlands in St. Paul!

This year’s theme, Rooted in Purpose, is a celebration of everything that grounds us—our values, our community, and our unwavering commitment to empowering students to dream big and do right.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with:

  • Delicious food and hosted bar
  • Live and silent auctions packed with can’t-miss experience
  • A lively crowd of parents, alumni, and friends who care deeply about MPA
  • And plenty of surprises along the way!

Many sponsorship packages with special perks are available! Visit moundsparkacademy.org/springauction to purchase your family or business sponsorship package!

For questions or to donate an auction item, contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5536.

Entering The New Year With Purpose

January 8, 2026

A Middle School student coloring on glass. from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Though we have only been back in school for nearly one week, it seems like winter break was a long time ago. Much has happened in our world since the start of 2026. It is difficult for me to personally reconcile between the joy I felt at times over break with the heaviness of events and stress that continues to surround us. Until recent years, I was accustomed to winter breaks and New Year’s events reaping more joy and peace. However, I have also learned that even through difficult times, it is essential to appreciate those moments of joy, for they should not be forgotten, and instead be held onto.

My relatively newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of winter break has also spread its way into how I look at New Year’s resolutions. For as long as I can remember, every winter season commercial and marketing material reminds me to think of resolutions that fit the motto, “New Year. New You!” Several years ago, I abandoned that idea of creating a new me. The anxiety and self-induced pressure to set goals on something usually bigger than I would ever actually attain typically led me to feel a sense of failure. Instead, I now follow a different motto, “New Year, a continued growing version of me.” And based on some current articles and websites, it looks like I may not be alone. A recent article in Edutopia.org was titled, “New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Do it!” On Heart.org, the author recommended making healthy resolutions modest and manageable. Finally, on lefbrainbuddha.com, the article “A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions” focused on intentions, process, and alternatives to approaching resolutions. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Holland Brown

December 22, 2025

MPA students engaging in a discussion. Mounds Park Academy gives Holland the space to grow her interests while pushing her academically. Keep reading for the five things she thinks you should know about the MPA.

1. Our athletic programs are a great way to make friends.

This was my second year as part of the Upper School volleyball program, and I have met some of my closest friends at MPA through the program. Playing sports is such a great way to meet people in different grades and make new friends, especially because it is a smaller community.

2. The teachers are helpful and supportive.

Transitioning into Upper School can seem intimidating academically, but all the teachers are super helpful. If you need extra help with an assignment or understanding a concept, they are always willing and happy to help you.

3. MPA is a PreK-12 school with leadership opportunities.

Being a PreK-12 school is one of my favorite things about MPA. There are a ton of opportunities to connect with other grades throughout the year. It is always so fun being able to support the lower grades in things like pairing assemblies. I am with a second-grade reading buddy, and I love being able to build a connection with her. Read More

Join Us For The MPA Preview On January 22

December 19, 2025

Upper School students workin in the outdoor learning lab

The final PreK-12 Preview of the school year will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 5-7 PM, and we warmly invite you to join us on campus.

This evening event offers a unique opportunity to experience Mounds Park Academy outside the traditional school day. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of campus, connect with faculty, staff, and students, and explore interactive experiences throughout the building that reflect our academic program, student life, and community culture. A light meal will be provided, allowing families to settle in, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Seeing MPA in the evening offers a different perspective on our school—one that highlights the energy, warmth, and sense of belonging that define our community. Whether you are just beginning to explore independent school options or deepening your understanding of MPA, this Preview is designed to help you envision what life as a Panther could look like for your family.

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

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Upper School Division News December 18, 2025

December 18, 2025

An Upper School student working with a robotfrom Mark Segal, Upper School director

As Upper School students and the MPA community head into winter break, the importance of keeping the mind active cannot be overstated. Breaks are an important and sought-after time to rest and recharge, but they can also lead to a loss of academic momentum if the brain goes entirely unused (like how a muscle atrophies when not in use). One simple and effective way to stay intellectually engaged is to follow the advice a prior school administrator regularly shared before long breaks: read for pleasure.

Reading keeps the brain active while still feeling restorative. It strengthens creativity and critical thinking skills, which are vital not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning. Reading for leisure also allows students to explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Whether through novels, short stories, essays, or nonfiction, reading invites us to step into different experiences and develop empathy by seeing the world through the eyes of others.

In addition to these cognitive and emotional benefits, reading for pleasure naturally supports vocabulary growth and stronger writing skills. Exposure to diverse voices, styles, and structures enhances students’ own communication abilities in ways that feel organic rather than instructional.

Each year, well-respected educator, former principal, and educational consultant Kim Marshall shares a thoughtfully curated list of “best books,” drawing on recommendations from “the School Library Journal.” The list includes a wide range of genres and reading levels, ensuring there is something to spark interest for every reader. Families and students can access the list here. Read More

NEW! MPA Ski & Snowboard Club

December 18, 2025

MPA skiers at the Afton Alps We are very excited to announce MPA’s Ski & Snowboard Club for grades seven through 12 at Afton Alps! If 15 students—who don’t already have season passes—sign up, we will be eligible for Ski Club discount tickets. If we can hit our goal, lift tickets will be $39 and rentals will be $37. Click here to sign up!

We plan to go every other Friday, after school. Students and families will need to provide their own transportation. Permission forms are available for anyone who would like to coordinate a carpool.

Waivers and rental forms must be completed in advance. Please fill out these forms and either send them to Sean Andrews at sandrews@moundsparkacademy.org or drop them off in the tech office on campus.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sean Andrews at sandrews@moundsparkacademy.org!

Join Us For MPA Family Open Gym!

December 18, 2025

A Lower School student with a basketball in the Lansing Center.

We are excited to welcome back the MPA Family Open Gym—a long-standing tradition returning for the first time since before the pandemic! Please join us on January 11, January 18, January 25, and February 8 from 1-3 PM in the Lansing Sports Center for one or more of the open gyms. Click here to register!

Important Notes:

  • Arrive between 1-1:15 PM at Door 7 on the north end of campus. Doors will be locked outside of the arrival window, and fobs will not work.
  • Please wear your MPA nametag or bring an ID to check in and receive a name tag.
  • Supervision will not be provided. Upper School students may attend on their own, but Lower and Middle School students must attend and remain with a parent or guardian.
  • More concession stand volunteers are needed. Sign up here!

We look forward to gathering together for an afternoon of fun and community. We hope to see you there!

Congrats, SAGE Dining Team!

December 17, 2025

The Mounds Park Academy dining staffThe MPA SAGE dining team has earned FARECheck Silver certification through FARE-approved Serve It Safely training, a nationally recognized mark of excellence in food allergy awareness and safety.

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the leading nonprofit dedicated to food allergy education and advocacy, carefully reviewed and validated the training completed by our team. This certification confirms that MPA’s dining practices meet best-in-class standards for allergen safety and food service compliance!

This achievement reflects more than just a completed training—it speaks to the kitchen team’s daily dedication to creating a safe, welcoming, and exceptional dining experience for every student, faculty member, and staff member, especially those navigating food allergies. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to our community each day. Congratulations to our MPA dining team!

MPA Robotics Teams Inspire Future Innovators

December 17, 2025

Upper School Students with a robot

From Lower School to Upper School: A Week of Code

MPA’s school-wide, week-long participation in Hour of Code was a tremendous success! Throughout the week, students across all grade levels explored computer science through a variety of interactive platforms—building characters, games, and puzzles while learning the fundamentals of coding. Hour of Code is an international initiative that aims to make computer science accessible to all learners and to spark curiosity about the ways technology shapes our world. For some Lower School students especially, this was their first opportunity to experience coding.

Robotics Teams Showcased Robots In Action

Adding to the excitement, the MPA Robotics Team hosted the first-ever Lower School Robotics Assembly. Initially founded in 2011 by former MPA teacher and Makerspace coordinator Ms. Nicole Koen. In 2014, Mr. Marc Shapiro, Upper School Physics teacher, became the coach. His leadership and student involvement have grown steadily over the past 15 years to include both Middle and Upper School teams. Each season, students collaborate with mentors to design, build, and program a robot to meet a unique set of challenges before competing with and against teams from other schools.
During the assembly, both teams showcased their robots in action, much to the delight of the Lower School audience. Using game pieces and designs from previous competitions, they demonstrated precision, creativity, and teamwork in motion.
Instructor with small robot and upper school student giving a speech
Each team is made up of subgroups that focus on design, programming, building, and operations, and students devote many hours each week during the six-week build season preparing for competition. Their dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit exemplify MPA’s mission to combine creativity, problem-solving, and purpose in learning.

  • The Middle School team, the Gentoos, competes in the FIRST Tech Challenge, designing a robot that must fit into an 18×18-inch box.
  • The Upper School team, the MPArors, competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition, designing, programming, and building a robot weighing roughly 115 pounds.

At MPA, curiosity and innovation begin early. From coding in the Lower School to advanced robotics in the Upper School, students are encouraged to dream big, think boldly, and bring their ideas to life.

Follow the MPArors to see their progress and upcoming events:

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