March 26, 2026
As admission decisions have just been shared across many schools, we know that many families are now sitting with an important decision. For most, the answer feels very clear. For others, it takes time—conversations, reflection, and a gradual sense of what feels right.
Families often begin with a list: academics, programs, class size, and opportunities. Those things matter. But over time, the conversation tends to shift. The question becomes less about what a school offers and more about how a child will experience it each day—how they will be challenged appropriately, whether they will feel known deeply, and how they will grow over time.
One of the first places that the shift becomes visible is in how families think about academics. Rather than focusing solely on rigor, many begin to look more closely at how students engage with their learning. As one parent described it, “The approach to learning at MPA is more experiential, project-based, and hands-on, allowing students to form deeper connections with the material that are long-lasting.” For that family, the distinction wasn’t just about content, but about how learning happens and how it reaches different kinds of learners over time.
That experience is often closely tied to the role of teachers. Families consistently return to the importance of relationships in shaping a child’s academic and personal growth. One parent reflected that “the small learning environment allows teachers to really understand students and help them grow both academically and personally,” while another shared, “Our student knows her teachers, and they know her, which is such a wonderful thing in a learning environment.” In these moments, the impact of small classes is less about numbers and more about what those relationships make possible. Read More
Get involved and plan to be there!
from James Ewer, Lower School director
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy speech team, which will again send representatives to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament following strong performances at the national qualifying competition!
Congratulations to the MPArors, who earned the Engineering Inspiration Award—one of the most prestigious honors in FIRST Robotics—at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth!
The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage, enjoy sweet and savory foods from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!
From fine arts to an opportunity for creative outlets, Mounds Park Academy pushes Sean Barker while allowing him space and individualized attention to grow. Read on for Sean’s top-five things to know at MPA!