Upper School Archives

The Path From Montessori School To Mounds Park Academy

February 3, 2025

When it comes to making a school choice, there are so many different types of environments to explore. Each educational philosophy offers a unique approach to learning, with its own set of strengths, challenges, and benefits for each individual child.

The transition from Montessori to a PreK-12 college prep school like Mounds Park Academy might seem like a big leap, but many of the traits your child developed in Montessori–like their independence, curiosity, and a love of learning–create a very solid foundation for them. At MPA, we work with families to take things one step at a time and embrace these new challenges and opportunities.

How Does A Montessori Education Compare To Mounds Park Academy?

Montessori education focuses on child development and the creation of supportive learning environments. Montessori schools are rooted in principles that emphasize child-centered learning. Students are encouraged to be independent, self-directed learners who explore subjects at their own pace. The American Montessori Society states, “Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment.” MPA honors philosophies similar to a Montessori learning environment while maintaining a level of academic rigor that prepares students academically for college. This is similar to the Montessori method focusing on child-led learning and independence. While the goal of Montessori schools is to inspire a love of learning, Mounds Park Academy achieves this through academics taught in an experiential way. Read More

Five Reasons To Apply Today

February 3, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the February 2 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Thank you to those who attended our last PreK-12 event of the year, the January MPA Preview! Whether you brought home a piece of your own printmaking art or had a climbing wall adventure, we hope you enjoyed your time with us as much as we did giving you a genuine preview of our school and community.

With the final PreK-12 event of the year comes the end of our admission season, meaning the February 15 application deadline is approaching quickly and we are beginning to see all of the future Panthers who are ready to begin an MPA journey of their own. If you have not yet completed your application, we have five reasons to share why your family should begin your MPA journey by applying today.

1. Academic Rigor With Purpose

At every grade level, MPA finds a developmentally appropriate way to incorporate rigor–not just for the sake of a rigorous education, but to challenge students to push themselves and apply their knowledge to critical thinking and real-word problems to be solved. “Students gain a great sense of satisfaction from taking a project from idea to reality and seeing it meet expectations when it comes to fruition. This exemplifies engineering at Mounds Park Academy and in the real world,” says Mark Shapiro, MPA Upper School physics teacher, on what rigor with purpose looks like. MPA’s curriculum, coupled with small class sizes, allows for more collaboration, creativity, and opportunities for students to become well-prepared for college and beyond. Read More

MPA Students Recognized by MSAA

January 30, 2025

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2025 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.

This display of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists!

Yuhan Zou ‘25, Drawing, Gold Key, “目”
Ella D. ‘29, Painting, Gold Key, “Defused Emotions”
Jenny Liao ‘28, Painting, Gold Key, “Winter Owl”
Juliun Menasco ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Froggy Curiosity”
Nicole Kim ‘27, Fashion, Silver Key, “Background Spotlight”
Lucy Smith ‘25, Mixed Media, Silver Key, “Artist Blues”
Grace Nelson ‘26, Painting, Silver Key, “Intergalactic”
Zayna N. ‘30, Photography, Silver Key, “Sage”
Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Bloom”
Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Trust”
Amy Xiang ‘26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fireworks”
Marlaina Minear ‘25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Self-Portrait”
Laila Mosley ‘26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Savory & Sweet Dining”
Sukey R. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Balanced Composition Lino Print”
Sophia T. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Leaves in Symmetry”
Thomas Dickson ‘26, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Street Print”
Yuhan Zou ‘25, Sculpture, Honorable Mention, “Fresh Breath”

See an album of their award-winning work here!

Upper School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 31: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM, MPA Campus
Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Friday, February 7: US Classes Meet
Friday, February 7: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Thursday, February 13: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center

In today’s rapidly evolving world, young adults who identify as members of Generation Z (Gen Z), those 13-28 years old, stand at a unique crossroads of societal change. Recent research from the Pew Research Center indicates that Gen Z students face challenges and opportunities in their educational journey. As digital natives, those who have grown up in a “connected” world (technologically speaking) bring distinctive perspectives and needs to school communities. Even though they are frequently found using their technological devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, video games, etc.), they crave authentic interpersonal connections and seek why they need to learn what is being taught.

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Higher Education, Gen Z students demonstrate stronger engagement when they understand the practical applications of their coursework. This aligns with this generation’s logical approach to education. They want to know why some concepts “matter” and how they connect with the real world. The Harvard Educational Review says that this “purpose-driven learning approach” leads to stronger retention and application of knowledge. Gen Z learners value information taught to them and seek genuine and authentic ways in which that information applies to them in their pursuit of finding the right “fit” for college and a future profession. The International Journal of Educational Research states, “when educators share relevant personal information and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue in class, student engagement increases by up to 40 percent.” Building relationships and connections between students, teachers, and the taught curriculum leads to genuine interactions and honest discussions.

MPA Seeking International Student Host Families

January 27, 2025

Do you have room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? A desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? MPA is seeking host families for international students for the 2025-26 school year!

Between the adults in their school and home lives, our international students feel supported, nurtured, and loved while living so far from their families. This is vital to their success and the strongest testament to everything our MPA host families and staff do to care for our international students.

We would love it if you and your family considered hosting an international student for next school year. As you and your family consider hosting, here are some topics that may arise. The information below is by no means an exhaustive list, but it may answer some of the initial questions you have and prompt additions ones as well:

Stipend

A 10-month stipend of $10,200 will be directly deposited in equal installments of $1,020/month on the first of each month for the previous month, September through June.
An early installment of $500 will be deposited on August 1 in preparation for your student’s arrival; the remaining $500 will be deposited on September 1.
The daily stipend rate of $30/day will be taken from and disbursed to host families who are providing respite care for a student, as needed.

Transportation

Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from the airport when the student travels.
Host families will work with their students in scheduling rides for social events.

Meals

All international students will receive the MPA school lunch. Host families and students do not need to pack lunches.
Host families are responsible for providing two meals on all weekdays and three meals on all weekend days.

By hosting an international student, you and your family have a unique opportunity to bring the language, culture, and perspective of another country into your home, allowing for a truly rich and genuine intercultural experience. The students will love to share their lives with you while becoming a part of your family, exploring Minnesota, and enjoying MPA student life all at the same time.

We hope you’ll consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our international students. If you have any questions, please contact Cory Becker-Kim, International Student Program Director and Advanced Language & Culture Teacher, at cbeckerkim@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-383-8961.

Click here to fill out a Host Family Application, and here for more information. Thank you so much for considering!

Why Alumni Are Choosing MPA For Their Children

January 22, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the January 22 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

The full-circle moment of welcoming alumni back when they bring their own children to MPA is very special. As such a young school, we’ve started to see an upward trend of alumni bringing their children to MPA in recent years. And because the fabric of our alumni community is so unique, we hear a lot of different reasons why; joyful memories of their time here, aligning values, an overall feeling of home, and crediting MPA for preparing them for the world.

“A lot of who I am and who I came to be started in this building and continues to stay with me today,” says Spencer Butts, a class of 1999 MPA alum. “I’ve seen both of my boys, since they’ve been at MPA, learn better study habits and learn how to challenge themselves without being prompted. I think their self-confidence–socially and academically–has changed and improved. MPA really beautifully walks along that fence of making sure that students understand that rigor is an important part of life. But, I think it’s also understood that you have to be able to understand failure to succeed at the end of the day.” This is why Spencer chose MPA for his children.

Like Spencer, our alumni have had transformative experiences at MPA, and they want their children to benefit from the same environment that shaped their own growth–both academically and personally. Alumni returning, and bringing the next generation with them, reflects the lasting impact MPA strives to have on students for a lifetime.

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Please Welcome Back Ms. Sarah McFarland To MPA!

January 17, 2025

MPA is excited to announce the return of Ms. Sarah McFarland! She will take over as a long-term substitute physical education and health teacher and will teach fifth-grade health, fifth through seventh-grade P.E., and ninth and 10th-grade P.E. We are thrilled to reintroduce her to the community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I previously taught at MPA before teaching middle school math at a local public school.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am a familiar face at MPA, returning after a brief hiatus teaching middle school math at a local public school. While new to the Middle and Upper School P.E. department, I’ve worn many hats over the years (math, English, ESL/AL&C, Program coordinator) and am super excited to don this one, too!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I love MPA’s gentle embrace of the awesome, quirky, and depthless potential of every student—especially the Middle Schoolers who are near and dear to my heart. Likewise, I have found community here (for my own quirky, awesome self!) that cannot be matched anywhere else. There is so much good to be found here!

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I simply want to carry students kindly and thoughtfully through this ever-changing world and their ever-changing selves. I hope they see themselves as dynamic, amazing, forever-learning, endlessly capable humans who strive to dream big while doing right.
Read More

Upper School Division News January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 17: End of Quarter 2
Monday, January 20: No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21: No Classes, Grading & Professional Development
Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting, Check Email For Link
Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Friday, January 24: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Saturday, January 25: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Sunday, January 26: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 2:30-4:30 PM, Black Box
Thursday, January 30: US Visual Arts Semester Showcase Reception, 6:30-7:30 PM, Gallery and Rossbach Art Walk
Thursday, January 30: US Cabaret Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Family Commons
Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 31: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM
Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center

As the start of the second semester begins next week (remember we do not have school either Monday or Tuesday), students have a unique opportunity to embrace a fresh start. Their second quarter and first semester classes draw to an end, and this transitional period can be the breadth of fresh air that allows them to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future. Research shows that resetting one’s mindset can lead towards improved academic performance and overall well-being. According to psychologist and author Carol Dweck, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you live your life.” By resetting and adopting a growth mindset, students can enter the second semester with a renewed determination and a sense of optimism.

There are several benefits of “starting fresh” for the second semester, and one of the primary ones is having the chance to reassess academic goals. Students can evaluate their first-semester performance and identify areas that need more attention during the second semester. A study published last October in the Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that goals setting enhances a student’s motivation and, quite possibly, increases their achievement. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goals, students can create a clear roadmap to achieve academic success during the third and fourth quarters.

Announcing The Hudson Fund

January 16, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As I prepare to step away from my role as head of school at Mounds Park Academy at the end of this school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this community has taken together. It has been my deepest honor to serve this extraordinary school, to walk alongside students, faculty, and families who inspire me every day with their strength, compassion, and determination.

When the Board of Trustees kindly asked how they might celebrate my tenure, my thoughts turned not to recognition but to the students who represent the heart of MPA’s mission. It is in their stories—of resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity—that I have found my greatest
fulfillment. Warren Buffet once said, “Tell me who your heroes are, and I’ll tell you how you’re going to turn out.” Truly, students are my heroes, and I am incredibly grateful that the board knew me well enough to establish and work with me to initiate the Hudson Fund for Resilient Students.

This endowed fund embodies our shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of the challenges they face, has the opportunity to thrive at MPA. Whether overcoming personal, academic, or socio-economic barriers, these students exemplify the values we hold dear: perseverance, dedication, and the belief that education has the power to transform lives. Read More

The Remarkable Value Of A MPA Education

January 9, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As we approach the midpoint of this academic year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting us with your child’s education. Returning to school after a long break can be tough for anyone, especially our students, but it was wonderful to see the excitement and joy on the faces of our students on Monday. The privilege of partnering with you to nurture, challenge, and inspire your children is one that I cherish deeply. Today, I invite you to reflect on the extraordinary value of a Mounds Park Academy education and the enduring impact it has on our students, families, and community.

Although we are in the depth of winter, we are already hard at work planning for the 2025-2026 school year. Our outstanding admission team is hard at work fielding inquiries from prospective families and guiding them toward enrollment. In just a few weeks, we will begin the re-enrollment process for returning families. At their January 27 meeting, the MPA Board of Trustees will approve a preliminary budget for the upcoming school year by setting tuition and determining compensation for faculty and staff. This is a challenging task because the decision is made on an enrollment forecast of both new and returning students. However, it is important for parents and guardians to know tuition before re-enrolling, which allows the school to offer work agreements to teachers before spring break. Read More