Middle School Activities

At Mounds Park Academy, we know that for students to thrive, they must have opportunities to discover their passions and interests. Being involved in extracurricular activities is expected and encouraged at MPA, and this has a profound effect on the school's culture and character. In fact, MPA looks for students who aren’t afraid to jump in and explore new things. We know that students consistently perform better academically when they’re involved in other parts of the school. They develop broader groups of friends, greater self-confidence, and deeper levels of empathy and compassion. They are inspired by their experiences and unafraid to take on new challenges.

Mounds Park Academy believes that physical education and competitive athletic programs complement the academic experience, which is why we offer one of the broadest prep school athletics programs in the Twin Cities. Many MPA coaches are teachers, and the fields and courts are extensions of their classrooms. We encourage each MPA student to participate and broaden their overall experience. Student athletes develop commitment, character, discipline, perseverance, initiative, leadership, cooperation, self-reliance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Middle School Activities Spotlight

Middle School Gender and Sexualities Alliance embodies all things LGBTQIA+ and beyond. The group meets regularly to learn about, reflect, and discuss a wide range of topics relating to gender, sexuality, and events affecting members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Topics covered include personal pronouns, gender identity and gender expression, as well as the gender unicorn from TSER (Trans Student Educational Resources).

Middle School Social Change Club focuses on developing responsive leaders and advocates for positive change by increasing awareness about social issues related to human rights, learning how to navigate the giving process, and making an impact in the community and beyond. Under student leadership, local projects have included small acts of kindness within MPA; coat, toy, or book drives for the unhoused; knitting hats and tying blankets for those in need; and initiatives to raise and donate money to organizations researched through sites like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch in response to social causes and global disasters.

Middle School Quiz Bowl is a competitive academic activity modeled after the National College Bowl program where two teams compete to answer difficult questions from all areas of knowledge. Quiz Bowl matches feature a blend of individual competition and team collaboration. The Middle School Quiz Bowl team meets after school and has tournaments on the weekends.

Below is a list of the many clubs available to middle school students. Clubs are formed and run by students and generally have one adult advisor. Most clubs meet one day per week during recess/lunch. Athletics meet after school for practice and meets/games.

Flex Time

Mounds Park Academy's Middle School recently added a 30-minute Flex period to students' daily schedule. It is designed to give middle school students dedicated time to focus on what they need most—whether it's academic support, personal enrichment, or social-emotional growth. By offering a range of activities such as tutoring, club participation, restorative conversations, and independent work time, the flex period empowers students to take ownership of their learning and well-being. With flexible scheduling and student choice at its core, this time fosters a responsive and inclusive environment that supports diverse needs and interests.