January 22, 2026
from Natalie Waters Seum, director of enrollment strategy and communication
Relocating your family is both exciting and overwhelming. New jobs. New neighborhoods. New routines. And, for many families, a school search layered on top of everything else—often from a distance, on a tight timeline, and with the quiet pressure of wanting to get it “right” for your child.
I’ve worked with hundreds of families over the years—and I was once a parent choosing an independent school myself—so I know how heavy it can feel. You’re not just choosing a school, you are choosing a community at a moment when everything else feels unfamiliar.
If you’re moving to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN and are considering an independent school community like Mounds Park Academy, here are a few ways to think about the process that may help you cut through the noise.
This isn’t a checklist of “best schools” or a ranking of programs. And honestly? I don’t think that’s what families really need.
Start with the Experience Your Student Needs
Many families begin with course lists, school rankings, class sizes, test scores, or college outcomes. Those things matter—but they rarely tell the full story, especially when a child is in transition. When students relocate, they aren’t just entering a new school. They’re navigating a new city, new friendships, and often a new sense of self. Questions worth asking include:
- Will my child be known here—quickly and genuinely?
- How does the school support transitions, not just academically but socially and emotionally?
- What does community actually look like in everyday moments?
At MPA, families often notice how intentionally students are known—by name, by interests, by how they learn. Small class sizes help, but the culture is the backbone. Teachers, staff, and division directors work closely to ensure new students don’t feel like they’re starting over alone.
Understand the Twin Cities School Landscape
The Twin Cities metro offers a rich and varied independent school landscape. Schools differ widely in size, philosophy, culture, and pace. It’s easy to assume that independent schools operate more or less the same way. They don’t. As you explore options, pay close attention to:
- Culture: How students interact with adults and with one another
- Family partnership: How the school communicates and builds trust with parents
- Pressure and progress: Whether the environment feels competitive, collaborative, or balanced
At MPA, families often describe the culture as academically rigorous and deeply supportive—challenging students while also emphasizing perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and character. For relocating families, that balance can be especially grounding. All of this can be ascertained through a feeling on campus, rather than a school ranking.
Ask How the School Supports New Families
This is one of the most important questions relocating families can ask, and it’s often overlooked. Strong schools should be able to explain clearly:
- How they onboard students who are new to the area or new to independent schools
- How they help families build connections quickly
- How expectations are communicated, especially for families unfamiliar with local norms
Here, this support shows up through intentional advising, close communication, and a strong emphasis on relationships across divisions. New students aren’t expected to “figure it out” on their own—and parents aren’t either. That matters so much more than some families initially realize.
Financial Fit Matters
Independent school tuition is a significant investment, and it’s appropriate to ask direct, thoughtful questions. Families considering MPA often appreciate the school’s transparent approach to tuition, including its Indexed Tuition model, which is designed to make an MPA education accessible to a wide range of families while acknowledging the very real financial considerations that often accompany a move. Clear, respectful conversations about cost build trust. And trust is especially important when so much else feels new.
Visit Schools If You Can
There’s no substitute for being on campus—seeing students in motion, listening to conversations, and imagining your child there. That said, many families can’t visit easily. Especially those relocating internationally. At MPA, the admission team regularly works with families from out of state or abroad, offering virtual tours, extended conversations, and thoughtful follow-up. Virtual resources can be critical in helping parents and students choose an independent school community. How a school shows up for you during the admission process is often a preview of the partnership to come. Pay attention to that—it’s telling.
A Final Thought
Relocation is hard. Choosing a school can feel like impossibly high stakes. The right school won’t make everything easy—but it should help your child feel known, supported, and steady as they find their place in a new community. That kind of foundation matters—especially when everything else feels unsettled.
Mounds Park Academy, located in St. Paul, is a top-ranked private school in the Twin Cities metro area. MPA nurtures students through a rigorous college-preparatory program that develops dreamers and doers. MPA inspires and energizes students of all ages, fostering respect, meaningful relationships, and a supportive school community.
Please reach out to MPA’s Office of Admission at admission@moundsparkacademy.org to learn why families moving to the Twin Cities choose Mounds Park Academy.
