Upper School

January 29, 2026

State Of The Upper School: Living, Learning, Thriving from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.

At the midpoint of each year, I enjoy setting aside time to examine how the first half of the school year has unfolded and to consider where our focus should be for the months ahead, as we also begin planning for the next school year. Recent data from the Net Promoter Survey, along with student feedback and faculty conversations, affirm that the Upper School continues to thrive as a place of strong academic engagement and personal growth.

Academic Excellence and Preparation

With a well-established culture of exceptional teaching, Upper School students consistently report feeling supported, challenged, and well prepared for the academic demands of college and beyond. Alumni echo this sentiment, often sharing that the habits of thinking, writing, and self-advocacy they developed here served them well as they transitioned to some of the most rigorous colleges and universities in the country.

Class sizes that hold in the mid-teens, along with a thoughtfully structured daily schedule, support meaningful student–teacher relationships. Students have regular opportunities to connect with faculty during prep periods, study halls, and shared involvement in extracurricular activities, many of which meet during the school day. These connections allow teachers to know students well—not only as learners, but as individuals—and to support them in ways that extend beyond the classroom.

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January 15, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we draw the first semester to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the true strength of our Upper School community. A strong, supportive community isn’t just a “feel-good” phrase—it’s a vital foundation that helps every student, teacher, and family thrive, especially during challenging times. Whether it’s academic pressure, personal stress, or unexpected life events, knowing you are part of a warm, caring, and nurturing community can make all the difference in how you navigate those moments. Educational research shows why these matter. Studies have found that “school connectedness (the feeling that students are supported, respected, and valued by their peers and adults at school) acts as a protective factor that promotes resilience and positive outcomes even when students face adversity. (Development and Psychopathology, Cambridge University Press, November 15, 2021)”

This aligns with our own experiences at MPA. When students feel connected, whether through supportive friendships, strong relationships with teachers, engagement in school athletics and activities, or simply knowing that a community member cares, they are more likely to persevere through challenging times and reach their full potential. As Coretta Scott King wisely said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” That compassion, which is shown in everyday acts of kindness, support, and genuine care, transforms our upper school into more than a loose group of individuals—it makes it a resilient, uplifting, and unified community. Read More

December 18, 2025

from 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