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.

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