Arts & Athletics

In the Upper School at Mounds Park Academy, the arts and athletics are central to how students explore their interests, challenge themselves, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

We believe students are at their best when they are engaged in multiple pursuits. It is common to see students moving between the stage, the studio, the field, and the classroom—developing discipline, creativity, and resilience along the way.

Depth, Choice, and Creative Expression

The Upper School arts program offers both breadth and depth, allowing students to explore new areas or pursue advanced work in disciplines they love.

In the visual arts, students take semester-long courses such as drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and mixed media, with opportunities to advance into more specialized and portfolio-level work.

In vocal and instrumental music, students may participate in choir, orchestra, band, and a variety of ensembles, including auditioned groups such as Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Madrigal Singers. These groups regularly perform within the community and at regional events.

The theatre program offers courses in acting, improvisation, directing, and stagecraft, as well as opportunities to participate in the Winter Show and Spring Musical. Students may also explore areas such as costuming and technical theatre, developing skills both on and off the stage.

Across all disciplines, students share their work through concerts, exhibitions, and performances—building confidence and learning the value of dedication, collaboration, and creative risk-taking.

Competition, Commitment, and Teamwork

Athletics in the Upper School provide students with the opportunity to compete, lead, and grow as part of a team. With a wide range of offerings across three seasons and a no-cut policy that allows all students to participate, MPA Panthers can explore new interests or continue developing their skills at a high level.

Fall Sports

• Cross Country (Boys & Girls, Grades 7–12)
• Volleyball (Girls, Grades 9–12)
• Soccer (Boys, Grades 9–12; Girls, Grades 8–12)
• Swimming (Girls, Grades 7–12)
• Tennis (Girls, Grades 7–12)

Winter Sports

• Alpine Ski (Boys & Girls, Grades 7–12)
• Basketball (Boys, Grades 9–12; Girls, Grades 7–12)
• Gymnastics (Girls, Grades 9–12)
• Hockey (Boys, Grades 9–12)
• Nordic Ski (Boys & Girls, Grades 7–12)

Spring Sports

• Baseball (Boys, Grades 9–12)
• Fastpitch Softball (Girls, Grades 7–12)
• Lacrosse (Girls, Grades 9–12)
• Tennis (Boys, Grades 7–12)
• Track & Field (Boys & Girls, Grades 9–12)
• Golf (Boys & Girls, Grades 7–12)

Whether on the field, court, or course, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another, and take pride in their efforts. Emphasis is placed on commitment, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

The Upper School Experience

One of the things that makes MPA distinctive is that students are not defined by a single path. Our athletes are artists, our musicians are scholars, and our performers are leaders across the community.

Through the arts and athletics, students learn to manage their time, collaborate with others, persevere through challenges, and take pride in their work—developing habits and confidence that will serve them long after they leave MPA.