Celebrating 20 Years of Curiosity, Creativity, And Care In PreK At MPA

PreK student smiling in her classroomThe 2025–26 school year marks the 20th anniversary of PreK at Mounds Park Academy. When our program began in 2005 with just 11 students, we could only imagine the vibrant learning community it would grow into. Twenty years later, we have twice as many students and four dedicated teachers who nurture their learning and care each day. Our PreK classroom is a warm, joyful environment where young children learn through play, inquiry, and exploration.

The Science Behind Early Learning

Looking ahead to the next twenty years, we remain focused on continuous growth and the use of best practices grounded in research. Neuroscience shows that the early years are the most critical in human development. In a 2023 article titled, “Brain Development in Early Childhood,” Dr. Anisa Kelley, a neurologist at Children’s Hospital of Chicago wrote, “There is massive growth and development of the brain in the first couple of years of life–90 percent of brain development is complete by age five.” Similarly, Dr. Rishi Sriram of Baylor University reminds parents that early education is far more than a prelude to “real” learning. “Children’s brains can uniquely absorb information during this critical phase. If intelligence is defined as the ability to learn, children between the ages of two and seven may be the most intelligent humans on the planet.” This makes high-quality early childhood education one of the most powerful investments in a child’s future success.

Our Commitment To Excellence In Early Education

At MPA, one way we uphold this commitment is through accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization in early learning. As a NAEYC-recognized program, we demonstrate excellence not only in curriculum and teaching, but also in building strong, trusting relationships with families, fostering equity and ethics, and supporting the ongoing growth of our teachers and leaders.

As an independent PreK–12 school, MPA is also proud to be an accredited member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The rigorous accreditation process ensures that we are held accountable to the highest educational standards at every grade level. Together, ISACS accreditation and NAEYC recognition affirm our commitment to the very best in education.

NAEYC’s Standards In Action

NAEYC has developed nine standards to identify quality in early childhood programs. Each one is woven into the fabric of MPA’s PreK experience.

  1. Relationships: Warm relationships with teachers support brain development and help children build their sense of self.
  2. Families and Community: Families are a child’s first teachers. They play an important role in a student’s education and growth and their culture, language, and traditions all influence learning. MPA values strong partnerships with each student’s parents and caregivers.
  3. Curriculum: MPA’s uses curriculum that aligns with research, has developmentally appropriate goals, provides a rich variety of content, and is culturally responsive, with the intent of offering the best learning experiences for young children.
  4. Teaching: Intentional teaching of age-appropriate skills, lessons that are both child-led, and teacher-directed, and a variety of hands-on experiences are all strategies that encourage active learning in young children. MPA promotes learning through play in an environment where all students feel valued and included.
  5. Assessment: Educators observe and assess students’ progress regularly and use the results to build lessons that match their needs, strengths, and interests. Assessments ensure the program is doing its part to guide students toward learning goals and help educators and families identify students who may benefit from additional support or intervention.
  6. Health: This goes beyond ensuring the facility is clean and safe; it guides programs to support good nutrition and overall well-being in students and adults. Safety is a top priority and all staff have extensive training in emergency preparedness.
  7. Physical Environment: Indoor and outdoor learning environments are thoughtfully designed for young children. MPA’s spaces foster active learning, comfort, and safety for students, teachers, and families.
  8. Professionalism: Educators have specific experience in early childhood education and child development. They create warm relationships and supportive learning environments to help students thrive. Ongoing professional development for teachers keeps them up to date as research evolves.
  9. Leadership and Management: The program’s leadership ensures a positive, supportive working environment for teachers, designs and implements strong policies that guide their practice, and creates systems that align with the school’s mission and values.

PreK students gardening outside in the science gardensLearning Through Play And Exploration

In practice, these standards come to life each day through meaningful learning experiences led by caring early childhood educators. Our learning spaces are intentionally designed to nurture academic, physical, social, and emotional growth. While clear learning outcomes guide us, our curriculum remains flexible and responsive to the unique needs and interests of each child.

In the PreK classroom, teachers thoughtfully observe students’ interests and bring their ideas to life. Teacher Hannah Halvorson invites students to be part of the creation of play areas in the classroom. Noticing that a group of students enjoys pretending to go on trips, she helped them create a city bus in the dramatic play area. The students helped to paint the cardboard structure and write destinations on their rotating sign. “The students have such strong creative and imagination skills,” she says. “We honor this when we let students lead in play and engage in world-building. Open-ended dramatic play helps students develop a sense of ownership in the classroom, expand their verbal skills, and strengthen relationships with one another.”

Teacher Mandi Wilson enjoys finding ways to embed learning into play. “We weave concepts from literacy, numeracy, science, and art into play experiences,” she explains. “This might include a science table where students explore textures or make patterns in an art project. The students often don’t realize they are practicing language or math skills because it feels like play.”

Building Confidence, Compassion, and Community

Each day, you will see young students laughing as they construct castles out of blocks, create masterpieces at the easel, and build friendships as they explore the classroom together. Our students grow as curious, joyful learners who find connection, wonder, and the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

PreK students playing outside with fifth grade buddiesTeacher Maria Smith focuses on the most important parts of the PreK experience. “Learning how to be a part of a group, manage big feelings, navigate the lunchroom, take turns in a game, and persevere through challenges is just as important as learning numbers and letters. At this age, students are learning how school works, and we are here to help set them up for success.”

Looking Ahead To The Next 20 Years

The story of MPA’s PreK program is rooted in a steadfast commitment to care for young learners. From its beginnings two decades ago, it has become an important part of our PreK-12 community. Our teachers and families share a deep belief in the power of high-quality early childhood learning.

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we look to the future with great excitement and a passion for excellence. Inspired by the mission and values that have guided us from the beginning, we will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards so that our students can always dream big and do right.


Discover The #2 Private School In MN

Students cheering on peers at HomecomingThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the October 8, 2025 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Last week, the Niche.com rankings were released, and we are delighted to announce that MPA is the #2 ranked private school in Minnesota! Celebrating this achievement honors our community of dedicated faculty, supportive families, engaged alumni, and curious, joyful students–an essential part of what makes MPA such a special place to learn and grow.

Being recognized as one of the top schools in the state is about more than test scores–it’s about the unique, joyful learning that students experience at MPA every day. Here, they are encouraged to think critically, act with empathy, and embrace challenges with creativity and confidence. Our holistic approach to education fosters not just academic excellence, but also the social and emotional growth that prepares students to thrive in school and in life. Read More


Growing Global Citizens

Upper School student participating in Spanish classThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the September 27, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

MPA nurtures dreamers, doers, and right-makers with academic knowledge that will propel them forward as change agents in the world. Our students embrace the responsibility of being global citizens by advocating for social justice, caring for the welfare of others, and promoting human equality, among other pillars rooted in respect.

“Right-making is a seed that is planted in each student and cultivated as they journey through MPA. Not only do we teach character traits like inclusiveness and integrity, we promote a do-right attitude through our actions and words while we learn and grow together. This inspires us to dream big and impact others positively at home and in the world,” Kristine Petersen, MPA Kindergarten teacher, says about global citizenship. Read More


Building Belonging: Routines For Joyful Learning

Tami Fisher, second-grade teacher at Mounds Park Academy, works on an in-class demonstration. The start of the school year brings fresh routines, expectations, and environments for students of all ages. At Mounds Park Academy, teachers take thoughtful, research-based steps to help learners acclimate and thrive—both as individuals and as a community.

We connected with Ms. Tami Fisher, second-grade teacher, about the intentional routines, language, and classroom structures she uses to create a joyful, respectful, and engaged learning environment in these first critical weeks. The benefit of these intentional routines is that they support both students and the classroom community, fostering responsibility and a positive atmosphere.

How do you set the tone at the beginning of the year so that students know what classroom routines and habits are expected while also being engaged learners?

We use the guiding principles and practices of “Responsive Classroom,” a research- and evidence- based teaching approach. Creating community and incorporating student voices are key. In the first weeks of school, we are doing a lot of “looks like, sounds like, feels like” Y-charts. In terms of the classroom routines and expectations, I like to start with the ‘feels like’ aspect, as that helps us identify what we want and need to see and hear in order to make sure our spaces feel the way we want. We look at routines and materials with intention, never assuming we all know how to use them. We use guided discoveries and modeling as we review available classroom tools: what do we notice about them, how can we use them, how they help us learn, and how we care for them. Read More


Welcome, 101 New Panthers!

Upper School students greeting a kindergarten student on the first day of school

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the September 9, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

While each student, parent, teacher, and community member experiences the first day of school in their own unique way, a shared sense of hope, wonder, and anticipation for what’s to come brings us all together. At MPA, the start of the new school year brings:

  • The honor of welcoming 101 new students to MPA. We’re already seeing them beginning to explore their passions, make new friends, join clubs, try different sports, and challenge themselves.
  • Celebrating growth while embracing the subtle changes. There is comfort in a predictable schedule and familiar faces, but they are coupled with new opportunities, relationships, classes, and discoveries. And while there is so much joy in welcoming the community back, everybody is a little different from the last time you saw them.
  • An unforgettable first day for students and parents. At MPA, the first day includes so much happiness in seeing friends and teachers, the anticipation of an amazing year ahead, and the comfort of knowing you are celebrated for the person you are.

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The Summer Scoop With Natalie Waters Seum

MPA robotics team leading the robotics summer campThis 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 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. Read More


The Summer Scoop With Alli Capasso

Two PreK students working together in the gardenThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the July 9, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

In this issue of Inside MPA, we’ve connected with Alli Capasso, assistant director of admission, to ask about how her summer is going so far and what the admission process currently looks like in July.

What are the advantages of starting the application process over the summer?

Summer is the perfect time to begin your school search with less stress and more space to reflect. Families who start the application process now have time to explore, ask thoughtful questions, and envision the best fit for their child—without the competing demands of a busy school year. At MPA, the admission team is here all summer to guide you every step of the way.

What do you hope every new family experiences in their first year at MPA?

I hope they find a community! Our students are known, seen, and accepted for exactly who they are. I hope our parents find “the village” that will help raise their children to be problem-solvers, risk-takers, and people who will stand for justice and kindness in the world. Read More


A Guide To A Joy-Filled, Learning-Rich Summer

Lower School student listening to instructions at summer camp With the transition from school year to summer, families are presented with a unique chance to reimagine learning beyond the classroom. Summer has the potential for a joyful, enriching season where curiosity, creativity, and growth thrive together, whether it’s through imaginative play, new skills, outdoor exploration, or reflection. An intentional, balanced approach to summer can help children of all ages gain confidence, expand their skills and passions, and return to school feeling ready, refreshed, and inspired.

As parents navigate the summer season, many will ask: How do we make this summer count?

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe summer isn’t just a break, it’s a chance to grow in new ways. It’s still a season for joyful learning while adding outdoor exploration, and building key life skills that carry beyond the classroom. A well-balanced summer should focus on essential skills and goals for the child, blending movement, creativity, independent time, and meaningful experiences that bolster academic success during the school year.

Summer is the time that students can lean into their own interests, either by engaging in more choice reading, enrolling in a specialty sports camp, or taking out their sketchbook while lying under their favorite tree. The beauty of this time is that incorporating purposeful learning does not mean hours of worksheets and practice tests; it is experiential and a little bit more open-ended. Thoughtfully piecing together a summer that includes your child’s interests and needs while also pairing it with concrete goals is the first step to tailoring the perfect summer for your child and family. Read More


Living Out Our Mission

Senior explaining her senior service project to a visitorThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the May 22 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Since our founding, MPA’s mission statement has been simple, but powerful: “We teach students to think independently, communicate effectively, and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility, and the joy of learning.” One of the most significant parts of the MPA experience is service learning. Designed to help students grow through acts of compassion and contribution, service learning at MPA encourages them to use their energy and talents to make a real impact–not for reward or recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do and helps improve our community both locally and globally.

“I learned that I really like to help people. I realized that it made me happy when I got to feel like I was being helpful, when I was given a task to do that would benefit others,” says MPA senior Lizzie Moldan about her work with Solid Ground. “I also really like working with kids, and this opportunity to tutor made me realize that even more than I did before.”

MPA students complete at least 60 hours of service during their four years of Upper School, including a capstone Senior Service Project that lets them dive deeper into a cause they care about. By giving back, students strengthen their connection to the many communities they’re part of and learn the power of empathy, leadership, and building positive relationships. Read More


Reflections From The MPA Class Of 2025 Lifers

The Mounds Park Academy Class of 2025 LifersApproaching the end of their final year roaming the halls of MPA as students, we had the honor of interviewing many of the MPA Class of 2025 Lifers about their experiences at MPA, the only school they’ve attended for their entire academic careers.

All incredibly talented students with well-versed backgrounds in the arts, athletics, and academics shared memories and reflections of MPA past and present, looking toward the future well prepared by MPA. Ari Williams, Henry Schwartz, Camdyn Magnuson, Quentin Hawley, Navreen Biring, Lucia Braith, and Rowan Mulrooney are all set to graduate on May 31, joining the Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

Choosing a school for 13 years means becoming part of a close-knit community where every child is truly seen and supported. So we asked: How has MPA’s community supported and shaped you as a student, a human being, and a young person?

Henry: The teachers get to know you really well. Recently, Ms. Murr in class made a recommendation for a book that I might like based on how she knows me. I know you wouldn’t get that anywhere else. It’s really cool. It teaches you how to ask questions because the teachers have that kind of connection with you, and it’s not scary to go up to them, even if it’s your first year having this teacher.

Rowan: My entire identity has been shaped by Mounds Park Academy, but especially when referring to the college application process, I would not nearly have been able to do what I did without the help of Dr. Quam. Especially hearing from other schools, their systems that they have set up for college health are not nearly the same. Especially with teachers, it’s very one-on-one and very helpful. Read More