Frequently Asked Questions

Mounds Park Academy believes students learn best when they are known, challenged, and inspired. As a PreK-12 independent school, MPA combines academic rigor with a whole-child approach, creating an environment where curiosity, creativity, and purpose drive learning.

Rather than emphasizing memorization or competition, MPA teachers encourage students to ask meaningful questions, think critically, solve complex problems, collaborate with others, and apply their learning to real-world situations. Small class sizes and strong student-teacher relationships allow instruction to be personalized, ensuring every student is supported and challenged to reach their full potential.

From the earliest years through Upper School, students experience a rich curriculum that includes the arts, technology, world languages, athletics, and service learning alongside additional academic courses. In Middle and Upper School, block scheduling provides time for deeper exploration, discussion, and hands-on learning.

The result is graduates who are not only exceptionally prepared for college, but who also possess the confidence, character, and sense of purpose to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Mounds Park Academy's average class size is 15 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. Lower School classrooms are intentionally small, and Middle and Upper School courses are designed to foster meaningful discussion, collaboration, and individualized instruction.

Small class sizes are one of the defining characteristics of an MPA education. They allow teachers to know each student as a learner and as a person, tailoring instruction to individual strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Students receive more personalized attention, have greater access to their teachers, and feel confident asking questions, sharing ideas, and taking intellectual risks.

Combined with the flexibility of an independent school, small classes create space for hands-on learning, thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and deeper exploration of complex topics. Rather than focusing on memorization alone, MPA students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and understand the "why" behind what they're learning.

The result is an environment where every student is known, challenged, and supported to thrive.

Parent involvement is an important part of the Mounds Park Academy experience, but there is no expectation that every family participates in the same way. Whether you have a few hours each year or enjoy volunteering regularly, there are opportunities to get involved at a level that works for you.

The MPA Parents Association welcomes every family and plays a vital role in building community, supporting faculty and staff, celebrating school traditions, and creating meaningful connections among parents. Families can volunteer at special events, assist with school activities, attend community gatherings, serve in leadership roles, or simply participate in the many programs and celebrations held throughout the year.

No matter how you choose to engage, you'll find a welcoming community that values partnership between families and the school. At MPA, we believe strong relationships between parents, faculty, and staff help create an exceptional experience for every student.

Mounds Park Academy graduates attend a wide range of colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Because MPA emphasizes finding the right fit—not simply the most selective school—our students enroll at institutions that align with their academic interests, personal goals, and aspirations.

Throughout Upper School, students and families receive individualized guidance from MPA's College Counseling Office. From course selection and college exploration to applications, essays, and financial aid conversations, students are supported every step of the way by experienced college counselors and faculty who know them well.

The combination of rigorous academics, personalized college counseling, and meaningful relationships with teachers prepares MPA students to thrive in college and beyond. View our recent college matriculation list to see where MPA graduates have continued their education.

Mounds Park Academy families come from throughout the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin. Our students represent more than 80 ZIP codes, with families choosing MPA from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs, as well as communities across the east metro and western Wisconsin.

Because MPA is an independent school, families choose the school based on its mission, educational philosophy, and community—not simply where they live. Many families also relocate to the Twin Cities from across the United States and around the world and quickly find a welcoming community at MPA.

Transportation options help make MPA accessible for families of students in grades K-12 throughout the region. MPA school bus routes serve North Oaks, Roseville, St. Paul, Woodbury, and Minneapolis, and District 622 provides transportation for eligible families living within the district. Explore the map below to see where MPA families live and where MPA bus service is available.

Yes. Mounds Park Academy offers transportation options to help make the school accessible for families across the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin.

Many students travel to campus by school bus, carpool, or family transportation. MPA also partners with families to help connect those interested in carpooling.

MPA-operated bus routes serve North Oaks, Roseville, St. Paul, Woodbury, and Minneapolis and students who live within the boundaries of Independent School District 622 (North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale) may be eligible for free transportation provided by the district.

Transportation routes and bus stop locations are reviewed annually and may change from year to year. Review MPA's current transportation information.

Yes. Mounds Park Academy offers before- and after-school care for students in our Early Childhood Program through grade eight, providing families with safe, convenient, and engaging care beyond the school day. 

Students in kindergarten through grade four participate in Panther Club, while students in grades five through eight attend Panther Den. Programs are designed to provide a balance of structured activities, creative play, homework time, outdoor recreation, and opportunities to socialize with friends in a supportive environment.

PreK Panther Club is a NAEYC-accredited, DHS-licensed program and is included in tuition for families who choose to use it. Panther Club and Panther Den for older students are available for an additional fee.

Learn much more about Panther Programs!

Students at Mounds Park Academy are encouraged to explore their interests, discover new passions, and become active members of the school community. Participation in co-curricular activities is an important part of the MPA experience, helping students build friendships, develop leadership skills, gain confidence, and pursue interests beyond the classroom.

Students of all ages can choose from a wide variety of clubs, athletics, arts programs, leadership opportunities, academic competitions, and service organizations. Offerings vary by grade level and evolve each year based on student interests and faculty leadership.

Examples of activities include robotics, sailing, speech and debate, student government, theater productions, music ensembles, STEM clubs, Quiz Bowl, Math League, affinity groups, service organizations, chess, cooking, technology, and visual arts. Students are also encouraged to create new clubs and activities when they identify an interest that isn't already represented.

Whether a student enjoys performing on stage, competing academically, serving the community, exploring technology, or trying something entirely new, there are countless opportunities to get involved and find a place to belong at MPA.

Helping new students feel welcomed, connected, and confident is one of Mounds Park Academy's highest priorities. We intentionally design each student's transition to ensure they quickly feel like they belong.

Before the school year begins, new students are connected with current student ambassadors and/or buddy students who help answer questions, make introductions, and ease the transition. Families also have opportunities to meet one another through summer events hosted by the Parents Association, while Upper School students are welcomed by Peer Leaders who organize activities throughout the summer.

To help students settle in, MPA begins the school year with a dedicated orientation day for new students before returning students arrive. This allows students to become familiar with the campus, meet teachers and classmates, and start building friendships in a smaller, more relaxed setting.

Perhaps most importantly, MPA is a community where students are truly known. Our faculty, staff, students, and families take pride in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where new students quickly feel supported, valued, and at home.

Yes. Mounds Park Academy partners with SAGE Dining Services to provide scratch-made, nutritious lunches for students each school day. Menus emphasize fresh ingredients, variety, and balanced nutrition, with options designed to meet a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

In addition to the daily entrée, students enjoy a variety of choices, including fresh fruits and vegetables, a salad bar, sandwiches, and other rotating options. Meals are designed to fuel students throughout the school day while encouraging healthy eating habits.

Lunchtime is also an important part of the student experience. Lower School students enjoy lunch with teachers and staff who help create a welcoming, supportive environment. Middle and Upper School students have the opportunity to socialize with friends while enjoying a relaxed lunch period.

MPA also recognizes the importance of giving students time to recharge. Lower School students have dedicated time for both lunch and recess, while Middle and Upper School students enjoy a generous lunch period that includes time to eat, connect with friends, and take a break before returning to class.

Yes. Mounds Park Academy warmly encourages prospective families to visit campus before submitting an application. The best way to determine whether MPA is the right fit is to experience our community firsthand.

Families can schedule a personal campus tour, attend an admission event, or participate in other opportunities throughout the year to meet students, faculty, and members of our admission team. We look forward to getting to know your family and answering your questions along the way.

Mounds Park Academy's admission process is designed to help us get to know each student and family while giving you the opportunity to experience our community firsthand. The process varies slightly by grade level but typically includes submitting an application, providing supporting materials, visiting campus, and participating in age-appropriate conversations or assessments.

We encourage prospective families to begin by scheduling a campus tour or attending an admission event. Throughout the process, our admission team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you determine whether MPA is the right fit for your child.

Visit our Admission Process page for grade-level requirements, important deadlines, and application details.

The admission process varies depending on when you apply and your child's grade level. Families who apply by the priority deadline typically receive an admission decision in the spring. Applications submitted after the priority deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis as space becomes available.

We encourage families to begin the process early to allow time for campus visits, application requirements, and any questions that arise along the way. Learn more about the admission process including, grade-level requirements, important deadlines, and application details.

Yes. While we encourage families to submit their application by the priority deadline of February 15 to receive maximum consideration for admission and Indexed Tuition, applications received after the deadline are still welcome.

After the priority deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and considered as space and, if applicable, Indexed Tuition funding remains available. Because many grade levels fill quickly, applying by the priority deadline offers the greatest opportunity for admission and tuition assistance.

If you're considering MPA after the application deadline has passed, we encourage you to Office of Admission at admission@moundsparkacademy.org. We'll be happy to discuss current availability and guide you through the next steps.

Yes. Mounds Park Academy warmly welcomes mid-year transfer applications in grades where space is available. We consider academically motivated students who are well-prepared to transition into our rigorous college-preparatory program, and our admission team works closely with families to make the process as smooth as possible.

Students in Lower and Middle School may typically begin at any time during the school year, while Upper School start dates generally align with the beginning of a quarter. Tuition is prorated based on the student's start date. 

Families relocating from across the country or around the world may complete the entire admission process virtually, including virtual tours.

To get started, request information or complete the online application through Ravenna.

We look forward to helping your family find the right school community and welcoming you to MPA!

No. All completed applications received by the published priority deadline of February 15 receive equal consideration from the Admission Committee. Applying earlier than the deadline does not provide an advantage over other applicants who also meet the deadline.

Because space is limited in many grade levels, families are encouraged to complete their applications by the priority deadline to receive maximum consideration for admission and, if applicable, Indexed Tuition.

After you submit your application, the Office of Admission will guide you through any remaining steps in the admission process, which may include requesting supporting materials, scheduling a campus visit, or participating in grade-level admission activities.

Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. Families receive admission decisions according to the published admission timeline or, for applications submitted after the priority deadline, on a rolling basis as space becomes available.

Throughout the process, our admission team is available to answer questions and provide support.

Absolutely. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we know families often have questions along the way. Whether you're wondering about academics, student life, Indexed Tuition, transportation, or the application process, our admission team is here to help.

We encourage you to contact the Office of Admission or your admission staffer at any point during your journey. We're always happy to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you determine whether MPA is the right fit for your family.

Each year, Mounds Park Academy receives more qualified applications than we are able to accommodate in many grade levels. Because we intentionally maintain small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios, space is limited.

Applicants placed in the Space Wait Pool met MPA's admission standards but are not initially offered a space due to enrollment capacity. If an opening becomes available, the Admission Committee will review wait pool candidates and extend additional offers as appropriate. Families may be contacted anytime from the initial enrollment period through the summer.

Being placed in the Space Wait Pool is not a reflection of a student's qualifications or our desire to welcome the family to MPA. Each year, our applicant pools are exceptionally strong, and many outstanding students are placed in the wait pool simply because there are more qualified applicants than available spaces.

Families who are placed in the Space Wait Pool will receive detailed information about the process, timeline, and next steps with their admission decision.

Each year, Mounds Park Academy receives more requests for Indexed Tuition than our Indexed Tuition budget can support. Applicants placed in the Indexed Tuition Wait Pool met MPA's admission standards, but Indexed Tuition funding is not currently available.

If additional Indexed Tuition funds become available, the Tuition Committee will review wait pool applicants and extend awards as appropriate. Families may be contacted at any time from the initial enrollment period through the summer.

Placement in the Indexed Tuition Wait Pool is not a reflection of a student's qualifications or a family's demonstrated financial need. It simply means that demand for Indexed Tuition exceeded the funds available this year.

Families who are placed in the Indexed Tuition Wait Pool will receive detailed information about the process, timeline, and available options with their admission decision.

Many families are surprised to learn that an independent school education may be more affordable than they expected. We encourage families not to assume MPA is out of reach based solely on the published tuition.

Mounds Park Academy is committed to making an exceptional education accessible through Indexed Tuition, our individualized tuition program. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all financial aid awards, Indexed Tuition adjusts tuition based on each family's unique financial circumstances. Every application is reviewed individually and confidentially.

Approximately one-third of MPA families receive Indexed Tuition each year, with the school investing millions of dollars annually to make an MPA education accessible to families from a wide range of income levels and backgrounds.

Families often tell us that once they explored Indexed Tuition and considered the long-term value of an MPA education, they realized attending MPA was possible. We encourage any family with questions about affordability to learn more about Indexed Tuition or contact the Office of Admission at admission@moundsparkacademy.org for a confidential conversation.

Mounds Park Academy uses two separate online platforms because they serve different purposes.

Ravenna is used to complete your child's admission application. This is where you'll submit your application, schedule admission events and visits, and complete the steps required for admission.

Clarity is used for families applying for Indexed Tuition and for enrolling after an offer of admission has been made. Families who are not applying for Indexed Tuition will use Clarity during the enrollment process only.

Both platforms are easy to use, and the Office of Admission is happy to answer questions or provide assistance at any point in the process.

No. Only families who wish to be considered for Indexed Tuition should complete the Indexed Tuition application in Clarity. Applications for Indexed Tuition received after the priority deadline are considered based on available Indexed Tuition funding.