October 5, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
My first impression of MPA was in 1995 and came from a neighbor whose son attended MPA. We had just bought a house in Afton and were in the process of meeting our neighbors. Our next door neighbors spoke so highly of the school and their son struck me as both bright and affable and immediately had a favorable impression of MPA. Even though I taught down the street at Hill-Murray, I did not know much at all about MPA. I made a mental note to myself that I should learn more about the school as my interaction with my neighbors peaked my curiosity.
Josh and Trish Hanson, parents of Lower School students Finley, Liv, and Willa, first heard of MPA in a similar way. Josh recalls, “Another neighbor, the Nickoski’s, attend MPA and love it. That was what initially piqued our interest to learn more. We attended an open house and we were immediately hooked.”
When it comes to choosing schools, the active engagement and influence of current parents is extremely important and successful. Among prospective families who are likely to enroll, 39 percent come to MPA based on the recommendation of a MPA community member, followed by an online search (21 percent) and a community event (15 percent).
When it comes to restaurants, movies, or hotels, we often make choices based on the recommendations of our friends and family. It’s no coincidence given we have more in common with those closest to us and share similar interests, tastes, and values. For instance, according to the Nielsen Company, 84 percent of consumers say they either completely or somewhat trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products and services–making these recommendations the highest ranked source for trustworthiness.
In our ISACS community-wide survey last year, 84 percent of current parents and 89 percent of parents of alumni indicated they were extremely or very likely to recommend the school to a friend, neighbor or colleague. This past year, Josh and Trish Hanson were instrumental in bringing a wonderful new family to MPA. “The Zeruhn family dropped into our neighborhood from California. From the start, we saw the whole family had a natural draw towards discovery, learning, and being an active part of the local community. We became fast friends and knew that MPA was worth some investigation for them. Bernie and Evie want the best for their children and we knew MPA could provide that.”
As Trish and Josh reflect over their place in the MPA community so far, their wish is that other children have the same exceptional experience that their children have had. “In a year of feeling helplessness and heartache for our country, we know that the biggest impact we can make is in our children. The investment we make in our children will hopefully lead to a lifetime of doing right, and being the changemakers that we all need. It’s a lofty thought, but in reality, it is the most impactful and rewarding path forward for us.”
When my own journey to MPA began, sparked by the experience of a neighbor, little did I know that I would one day have the great privilege to serve as the leader of this amazing school. The fall admission season is fast approaching. Given the power of your word and endorsement, I humbly ask you to invite a friend to our upcoming MPA Preview on Sunday, November 5 at 2 PM.
