Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Antiracism Archives

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

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!

Go home with some cool body art from two expert henna artists, try your hand at global crafts, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share the culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

New this year—all food and drinks, including boba tea, are complimentary. Hilal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Interested in hosting an informational table on the day of the event? Sign up by clicking here!

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email laurahnicholson@gmail.com or jasminstees@yahoo.com.

Join Us At The Ramadan Iftar Celebration!

February 18, 2026

The MPA Muslim Student Association (MSA) and families have the honor of hosting a Ramadan Iftar Celebration. The MSA warmly invites all members of the Mounds Park Academy community—students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff—to come together in the spirit of unity and reflection. The Iftar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 5-8 PM in the Family Commons.

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, marking a period of deep spiritual renewal, reflection, and devotion. It commemorates the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to purify the soul, practice self-control, and grow in compassion for those in need. The fast is not only a physical act but also a spiritual one—encouraging mindfulness, patience, and gratitude.

Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, beginning with dates and water, followed by a shared meal with family, friends, and community. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, charity, and acts of kindness. It strengthens community bonds and reminds all who observe it of the values of generosity, empathy, and unity.

The celebration will include a variety of Halal authentic dishes, drinks, guest speakers, and opportunities for reflection and connection.

All are welcome to join in this celebration and support the community as it comes together to share in the joy and meaning of Ramadan. Click here to RSVP!

Join Us For Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase

February 17, 2026

Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions through a powerful, engaging, and student-led experience for Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase on Wednesday, March 4, from 4-6 PM in the Family Commons, Nicholson Center, and Upper School Commons. Throughout February, students across all divisions have been exploring this year’s theme, Rooted, reflecting on history, identity, creativity, excellence, resilience, and community. Their learning and projects will culminate in a dynamic evening celebration that highlights student voice, artistry, and leadership.

The school building will open at 3:15 PM for visitors to tour student projects and displays throughout the divisions. The Family Commons will open at 3:30 PM, where guests can gather, enjoy light soul food prepared by the one and only MPA legend Chef Ronnie, and participate in interactive opportunities connected to this year’s theme. The Nicholson Center doors will open at 4:20 PM, and the showcase will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. Read More

Our Promise

November 24, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the November 25, 2025 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

You are invited to hear and see the spirit of our manifesto. It is an invitation to every student to be a freethinker, a free spirit, a risk taker, a right maker, a dreamer, and a doer. It is our promise to you. Explore our promise, the MPA manifesto, here.

At MPA, students are not simply learning; they are learning how to learn, how to think critically, solve creatively, and transform the wildness of their imagination into inspiration for others. They immerse themselves in the arts, explore the complexity of the sciences, and grow the roots of social responsibility as they discover who they are truly meant to be.

Our manifesto guides and reflects why we believe students like yours are made for Mounds Park Academy—their type of amazing calls for an education that awakens their senses, unleashes wonder, encourages respectful discourse, and cultivates a lifelong joy of learning.

We hope these words inspire you as much as it inspires us every day. If you have any questions or want to explore what learning looks like at MPA on campus, we invite you to RSVP for the PreK-12 MPA School Day Preview on December 11, or connect with us to schedule your personal tour.

RSVP Today

How We Learn

The Admission Process

Growing Global Citizens

September 26, 2025

This 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

Living Out Our Mission

May 22, 2025

This 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

Portrait Of A Founder

May 15, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Jim Gardner, a founding board member of Mounds Park Academy, alumni parent, alumni grandparent, and generous benefactor. Jim lived a life of quiet impact, marked by deep love for his family, steadfast generosity, and tireless commitment to the institutions and communities he believed in, including MPA, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Jim and Joan enrolled their son, Matt, at MPA before we had a building, a curriculum, or even teachers. They were drawn to Bob and Sandy Kreischer Smith’s vision of a school that would see their child as a whole person and nurture him as an engaged learner. On the car ride home from his admission interview in May 1982, they made the decision to enroll. That act of faith—choosing an idea over certainty—helped bring MPA to life.

When Matt tragically passed away in 2006, Jim and Joan created the Matthew Gardner Scholarship, which continues to support students of modest means. That legacy—like their son—is deeply woven into the fabric of this school.

Jim’s contributions didn’t stop there. A friend and board member, Karen Benz, recruited Jim early on to help with MPA’s first budget. He was a banker, a property manager, and, at the time, one of the few people with a home computer capable of creating spreadsheets. He once joked, “For some reason, at this point, I was put on the board and made treasurer of an organization that looked like it might go broke.” But Jim knew that if we were to build trust with families, we had to finish our first year in the black. And under his careful watch, we did. Read More

The Power Of PreK-12

May 13, 2025

What is it about a PreK-12 learning environment that is uniquely powerful? Beyond just academics, this type of community fosters a sense of continuity, belonging, and deep-rooted connection that enriches the student experience. From the first day of school to graduation, students are surrounded by a familiar group of peers who nurture their growth and support their dreams. At MPA, this all-encompassing model creates a dynamic environment where meaningful relationships flourish, learning is intentionally built upon, and students are empowered to thrive.

Social Benefits

An amazing part of attending a PreK-12 school is that students are able to foster long-term, meaningful relationships with their peers (across all grades and divisions) and the adults in the building who know them well. Most adults can easily tell you about a teacher who impacted their lives–imagine if those teachers could stay in your life for an extended period of time and watch you grow. At the end of the year, after our seniors celebrate their last day of classes with each other in the Upper School commons, the next place they often head is to the Lower School to see the teachers who were fundamental in the foundation of their academic journey.

We often say it takes a village. When students truly find their village, they find a home here where they are supported, known, and seen for exactly who they are. And we have seen what happens to students who spend time in the MPA village. They blossom into confident, self-assured, generous students who dream big and do right.

Academic Benefits

At MPA, we have a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum because we are a PreK-12 space. Because we all work in the same building, we know what comes next and how to prepare students for the next step in their education. Communication between teachers and divisions allows for a smooth transition. Our faculty members are able to have conversations about where they have found success with each student and some challenges that each student might encounter in the future. Those conversations allow students and parents to come into a new grade or division without feeling like they are completely starting over each year. We are able to build and add to what we already know about a student. Read More

A Project About People

May 8, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

At Mounds Park Academy, we often speak about creating a school where every student feels seen, valued, and safe. But it’s not enough to say it—we must live it. That’s why I want to share something close to my heart: our initiative to provide additional inclusive, all-gender restrooms specifically in the Upper School.

This project is not just about construction or facilities—it’s about people. It’s about honoring the dignity of every student, employee, and guest who walks through our doors. It’s about ensuring that our school reflects the values we teach: empathy, respect, and belonging.

All-gender restrooms are becoming common in schools across the country because they work. They provide privacy, safety, and affirmation. For some of our students, these spaces are essential to feeling like they belong. For all of our students, they are a lesson in how we care for one another in community.

The renovated restrooms outside of the head’s suite in Upper School will feature fully enclosed stalls and updated designs that prioritize comfort and privacy. This is not just a step forward for some—it’s a benefit to everyone.

We are just $42,000 away from making this vision a reality, and we need your help to cross the finish line.

Navigating A Complex, Often Challenging Digital Landscape

May 1, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Looking for something to watch over spring break, I happened upon “Adolescence” on Netflix. Once I started watching it, I was hooked. Set in a northern English town, the series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The series delves deep into the psychological and social factors that could lead an ordinary teenager to commit such a heinous act. Rather than focusing on a traditional “whodunit” approach, “Adolescence” explores the “whydunit,” examining the influences of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and societal neglect.

The four-part series is unsettling and deeply thought-provoking, shining a powerful light on some of the complex realities young people face today. While fictional, “Adolescence” captures an urgent truth: the internet is not just a place of harmless entertainment; it’s also shaping how young people see themselves, each other, and the world. “What struck me about the show is that it wasn’t really made for teens at all, but for us adults—to spark conversations about how easily young people can get lost in curated realities online,” said Dr. James Densley, MPA parent and internationally recognized criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention. (James will be leading a discussion at MPA on Monday—see details below.)

One growing area of concern within the internet is the rise of the manosphere—a network of online spaces where young men and boys are often exposed to unhealthy, even harmful, ideas about masculinity, gender, and identity. What begins as advice about fitness, confidence, or success can quickly spiral into narratives that promote anger, blame, and misogyny. These messages are often hidden in gaming communities, social media influencers’ posts, and algorithm-driven content that adolescents encounter every day.