January 29, 2026
State Of The Upper School: Living, Learning, Thriving from Mark Segal, Upper School director
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.
At the midpoint of each year, I enjoy setting aside time to examine how the first half of the school year has unfolded and to consider where our focus should be for the months ahead, as we also begin planning for the next school year. Recent data from the Net Promoter Survey, along with student feedback and faculty conversations, affirm that the Upper School continues to thrive as a place of strong academic engagement and personal growth.
Academic Excellence and Preparation
With a well-established culture of exceptional teaching, Upper School students consistently report feeling supported, challenged, and well prepared for the academic demands of college and beyond. Alumni echo this sentiment, often sharing that the habits of thinking, writing, and self-advocacy they developed here served them well as they transitioned to some of the most rigorous colleges and universities in the country.
Class sizes that hold in the mid-teens, along with a thoughtfully structured daily schedule, support meaningful student–teacher relationships. Students have regular opportunities to connect with faculty during prep periods, study halls, and shared involvement in extracurricular activities, many of which meet during the school day. These connections allow teachers to know students well—not only as learners, but as individuals—and to support them in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
The Upper School continues to prioritize deep understanding over rote memorization while students thrive in grade-level, advanced, honors, and AP courses. I’m proud to share that last May, 91 Upper School students took 138 Advanced Placement exams (123 of them aligned directly with MPA offered courses), and students had a 91% pass rate on the exams taken. That’s remarkable!
Relationships, Belonging, and Mentorship
A defining strength of the Upper School experience is the depth of relationships that develop over time. Faculty members assume a wide range of formal and informal mentoring roles, supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. These relationships foster a strong sense of belonging and trust, which contributes to students’ confidence in their abilities and their willingness to take intellectual risks.
This sense of connection often endures well beyond graduation. Many alumni return to campus to visit teachers, speak with current students, and share their experiences after MPA. Their reflections consistently highlight the lasting impact of the relationships they formed during their Upper School years.
Areas of Focus and Ongoing Growth
While we are proud of the many strengths of the Upper School, we also recognize areas where continued attention and growth are needed. Student mental health and increased absences have emerged as concerns, reflecting broader societal trends as we continue to recover from the long-term effects of the global pandemic. Upper School faculty and administrators are committed to addressing these challenges with compassion, proactive support, and clear communication.
We also continue to work closely with our Lower and Middle School colleagues to strengthen our shared understanding of academic rigor and to ensure smooth and thoughtful transitions between divisions, particularly from Middle School to Upper School. Preserving the high expectations of our college preparatory program while supporting the well-being of all students remains a central priority.
Curriculum, Innovation, and the Role of Technology
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the Upper School faculty and administration are engaging deeply with the implications of artificial intelligence on teaching, learning, and academic integrity. Our goal is to foster responsible and ethical use of technology while maintaining developmentally appropriate expectations for originality, honesty, and critical thinking.
We are also regularly reviewing our course offerings to ensure they continue to meet student needs and interests. After several years of expanding our technology-related course offerings, we are proud to now offer three world languages—French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. We hope to add a beginning-level Mandarin Chinese course to better support students entering the language program and to bridge the gap between introductory and advanced coursework. We are also exploring additional elective options within the visual arts, including possibilities such as collaborative art-making, advanced printmaking, and advanced photography. You can see our current course offerings here.
Looking Ahead
These are exciting times in the Upper School. I continue to be impressed daily by the curiosity, thoughtfulness, and joy of our students, as well as by the dedication and creativity of our faculty. I am energized for the remainder of this school year and optimistic about what lies ahead as we plan for the 2026-27 school year.
I look forward to seeing you on campus and continuing this important work together.
Important Information
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please contact the Upper School assistant, Chanda Williams, at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
- Make plans to attend the Mounds Park Academy Winter Show, “40 Neo-Futurist Plays from Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 minutes),” by Greg Allen! 30 Upper School students, on stage and off, have been involved in this production. If you are planning to come with your children, this production is PG-13. Winter show director, Mr. Lekatz, shared, “Created in the Italian Futurist tradition, these plays are illogical and irreverent, humorous and absurd, serious and poignant.” Tickets are still available for January 30 and 31 at 7 PM. Purchase your tickets by clicking here!
- Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate the mission we share and the people who make Mounds Park Academy such a special place. This joyful evening will bring together families, alumni, staffulty and friends to raise critical support for our school, all while enjoying great company, food, and a little fun along the way.Sponsorships are now available. This is the perfect time to consider a Business or Family Sponsorship. Sponsorships include:
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- admission to the event for two or more
- reserved priority seating
- access to our Sponsorship Pre-Party
- recognition across event materials
- interactive auction opportunities, depending on the level
- early access to our silent auction
- and the chance to underwrite tickets so our incredible staffulty can attend at no cost.
Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, and Business Sponsorships can be bought here.
We are committed to making this community-building event accessible to all. If ticket pricing presents a barrier to attending, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to discuss reduced pricing options based on need.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, January 30: US Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, January 30: US Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, January 30: US Winter Show, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box, Tickets >
- Saturday, January 31: US Winter Show, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box, Tickets >
- Wednesday, February 4: US Semester One Showcase Reception, 6:30-7:30 PM, Gallery & Rossbach Art Walk
- Wednesday, February 4: Cabaret Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Recital Hall
- Friday, February 6: US MPA Cares – An MPA Thrift Shop, 3-6 PM, Family Commons & US Commons/Hallways
- Sunday, February 8: MPA Family Open Gym, 1-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Register >
- Monday, February 9: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
- Tuesday, February 10: ISACS Parent Series – 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, 6:30-7:30 PM, Virtual, Register >
- Wednesday, February 11-Friday, February 13: US G10 Deep Portage Trip
- Friday, February 13: No Classes, Professional Development
- Monday, February 16: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
- Tuesday, February 17: US Nordic Ski Team Banquet, 4:30-7 PM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, February 18: Celebration of Lunar New Year, 3:15-6 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, February 19: US Class of 2029 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
