August 6, 2025
This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the August 11, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!
In this issue of Inside MPA, we’re catching up with Natalie Waters Seum, director of admission and communication, as she reflects on summer and offers advice for those considering MPA for this fall. Whether you’re just starting your school search or already planning a visit, this conversation is full of insights and helpful next steps.
What’s one way the MPA community supports new families and students?
Our new families are embraced from the start—through summer social events, buddy families, and ongoing communication from both the division office and the Office of Admission. But perhaps the most meaningful support comes from the everyday moments once the family is on campus: a division director picking up the phone to check in, a teacher offering reassurance, a student inviting a new friend to sit by them at lunch. That’s just who we are.
What are the advantages of starting the application process over the summer?
Starting the process in the summer gives families the gift of time—time to reflect, explore, and ask questions without the usual rush of the school year. It allows us to get to know each other more deeply, and for families to thoughtfully consider the kind of educational experience they want for their child. It’s also when we can offer the most flexible visit options and individualized support.
If a family wants to visit MPA this summer, what’s the best way to do that?
We love summer visits! The best way is to schedule a personal tour through our website or by contacting our Admission Office directly at admission@moundsparkacademy.org. We’re here all summer long and are happy to work around your schedule to help you get a feel for campus and the community.
What do you hope every new family experiences in their first year at MPA?
I hope they feel truly seen and supported—long before day one, actually. Our community is remarkably warm and welcoming, and I want every family to feel that they’ve found a place where their child will thrive, not just academically but socially and emotionally. I also hope they feel a growing sense of partnership with their child’s teachers and a sense of joy about their school choice.
What steps should a family considering MPA for the fall be taking in the summer?
Summer is a great time to schedule a tour, start an application, and have conversations with your contact in the Office of Admission. We can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you determine the best next step—whether that’s a visit, submitting an application, or exploring financial assistance options.
Are there summer opportunities for new or prospective students to get a feel for campus life?
Yes! Many families visit during the summer to explore the campus while it’s a little quieter. We also offer orientation events and welcome opportunities closer to the start of school to help students feel grounded and excited. For prospective students, a summer tour is a perfect first introduction to the MPA experience.
What’s one thing families are often surprised to learn during the admissions process?
Families are often surprised by how deeply we know our students. We hear it all the time, especially after the first set of conferences in the fall: “I can’t believe how well the teachers know my child already!” That level of personal attention is at the heart of MPA. It’s not just something we say—it’s something families feel right away.
What do you look for when getting to know a prospective student and family?
We look for curiosity, motivation, kindness, and a desire to be part of the community. We’re not looking for perfection on a transcript or a particular standardized test score—we’re looking for students who want to grow, contribute, and engage, and for families who are excited about partnering in that journey.
What makes MPA’s approach to education different from other schools?
MPA blends academic rigor with a joyful, student-centered approach. We believe that children do their best learning when they feel safe, challenged, and inspired. Our curriculum is purposeful, our teachers are deeply committed, and our community is grounded in kindness and inclusion. That combination is truly unique and represents an organization that I am proud to represent each day.
What excites you most about the upcoming school year?
This year, I’m most excited to watch our new head of school, Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, step into her leadership in ways that will continue to elevate MPA’s mission. There’s a renewed sense of energy and clarity about who we are and where we’re going—and I can’t wait to see our students thrive even more fully in that environment.
Is there a story that’s stuck with you from the past admission season?
One story I keep thinking about is a student who joined us after a tough experience elsewhere. Within a few weeks, the transformation was visible—more confidence, more joy, and more willingness to engage in class. It reminded me of how powerful it is when students feel like they belong.
What’s a goal you’re pursuing this summer for the upcoming school year?
One of my big goals is to continue refining how we tell MPA’s story. There’s something so special here, and I want every prospective family to feel it—from their first website visit to their first step on campus. That means aligning our messaging, our tours, and our outreach to reflect the heart of this place.
Have you read any great books or learned something new this summer?
Yes! I’ve been reading “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker, which has really shaped how I think about building community—not just planning events. It’s made me reflect on how we bring people together with purpose and authenticity, especially during moments of transition like the start of a new school year.
What’s your favorite memory from this summer?
Honestly, my favorite part of summer has been having our college-age son—an MPA lifer from the Class of 2023—home. I don’t make many plans because my joy comes from cooking his favorite meals and simply being present with him. It’s simple, but it’s everything. Read the extra story, snuggle for a few more minutes, and hug your little ones every chance you get—they’ll be off on their own before you know it. 💙
