My MPA Experience Archives

December 27, 2017

Drama Faculty
MPA Parent

What do you love about MPA?
So many things! As a teacher and a parent, I love that drama is part of the curriculum at MPA. It really shows the dedication of teaching the whole child. I also love that at MPA the “joy of learning” is imbedded into the school’s mission.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
My daughter is given options and choices for her own learning. She is taught skills that encourage independence, self-confidence, and advocacy. But the focus doesn’t stay on the individual—Lily’s teachers have projects that foster collaboration, team building, and simply being a good friend. During a recent “music share,” my daughter was nervous and forget her song … she looked at one of her friends who mouthed the first line and then Lily was ready to go. The next day, that friend began crying when a cookie fell to the ground at the school picnic and Lily immediately turned to comfort her. These are foundations that will last a lifetime.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Lily was originally enrolled at a different elementary school, until I was hired at MPA. I remember the moment during my tour when I started to look at the school as not just a potential teacher, but as a parent who wants the best for her child. She has more opportunities for physical education, art, drama, music, computers, and for creativity in the Makerspace. Many schools have cut art programs, meanwhile MPA has it as a required class through eighth grade. Also, the small class sizes cannot be beat! Read More

Meet Jonas Lim

December 8, 2017

Lower School Parent

What do you love about MPA?
The quality of the teachers, and the genuine concern, focus on, and love for the students. The philosophy of educating the students to be intelligent and socially responsible individuals.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
The class curriculum provides my daughter the opportunity to try different things and develop the skills necessary to accomplish anything or everything she wants to do. MPA encourages and informs my daughter about what is right, but also teaches her to respect that everyone is free to have their own opinion.

What would you tell another family considering MPA?
I would tell you that your child will receive focused attention by the teachers. Your child will be allowed to be whoever she wants to be. Your child will be encouraged to be a unique individual at her own pace. Your child will become socially responsible and able to tackle the challenges of today’s ever changing world.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
It has given her the chance to develop the skills and intellect needed for today’s world. For example, I like the fact each child is given the opportunity to work on different projects and present those project to other students and/or parents. This allows the child to build confidence necessary for the 21st century, whether it is in communicating with others at a job or articulating their dreams. Read More

Meet Priya Manda ’20

November 27, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
I love the community and the way I feel encouraged to push myself and strive to do my best. I also love how there are so many resources within the community to help me achieve my goals.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
One way in which I’m encouraged is through the academically competitive nature of the students. Almost all of the students push themselves and want to accomplish a lot and are supported by the school—this makes you want to work hard too. I feel like MPA has encouraged me to pursue anything I would like and, in many ways, I feel like with my Mounds Park Academy education, I can.

If you have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
The school I went to before was very small and I felt like I wasn’t pushed at all. I remember that when I came to MPA I was shocked by how rigorous the classes were and how many opportunities I had.

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
I would tell them that because of my MPA education I feel like I have so many options for colleges and careers that I could pursue. In a way, I feel limitless.

In what ways has MPA prepared you for life?
I feel like I’m really well prepared for college because of MPA. I know that I will be able to handle and accomplish a lot thanks to my experience in high school.

What do you dream for yourself in 20 years?
This is hard! I would love to be a surgeon or work in human rights. Either way, I see myself settled down and successful!

Priya Manda now attends the University of Southern California.

Meet Ms. Murr

November 27, 2017

Upper School history teacher
Lower and Middle School parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 14th year teaching at MPA.

What do you love about MPA?
Usually, when we talk about people being themselves at MPA, we are referencing the students. This is absolutely a strength of the school and a huge part of the reason that I choose to send my two boys to MPA. At the same time, I also love to work at MPA because I too have the freedom to be myself. Students rarely snicker when I get worked up about the pre-Civil War caning of Sumner or tear up over the trauma of 9/11. Instead, they are willing to let go of their own adolescent insecurities and uncertainties and join me in an intense and personal exploration of history. This makes every day in the classroom unimaginably fulfilling and explains why I love MPA.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
I think I have grown particularly interested in the “Do Right” aspect of this phrase. By studying the mistakes of the past, I stress to students that they can and must do better. While some might see this as a dim or negative approach to teaching history, I hope that it empowers and motivates students to right the wrongs of the past.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
“Do you have an hour or two?” is probably how I would start. It is that difficult to capture the full power of an MPA education. Recognizing, however, that time is short, I would stress that MPA equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to make the world a better place, thereby making their lives richer and more fulfilling. Read More

Meet Rowan

November 14, 2017

Class of 2025

What do you love about MPA?
School makes me feel happy, joyful and excited! There are days when I think, “Oh no! I’m so sick, but I really want to go to school to see my teachers and my friends.” I just love how we all treat each other.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
We learn cool words like inclusiveness. We learn how to be kind to other people and that giving is important.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
It is like my home because everyone is so nice, kind, and considerate. Sure, you go to your real home and have dinner and go to sleep. But then you wake up and feel excited, like it’s going to be a great day at your other home, at your school!

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
When there is a problem, our teachers sometimes tell us to work it out on our own because we are good enough and smart enough. However, sometimes they help us because we’ve made a mistake and need another solution. MPA teaches us all these special things that get us ready for the world.

Mounds Park Academy, a PreK-12 private school in Saint Paul, is currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year. For more information about admission and to schedule your tour, visit moundsparkacademy.org/admission. We look forward to getting to know your family!

Meet Pranay Somayajula ’18

October 25, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
One word—community. I love that MPA is such a tightly knit community and you have the ability to form close and lasting relationships, whether they are with another student, an MPA parent, or a faculty member. MPA is unique in that it not only provides an opportunity to form close bonds, but that it actively encourages their formation.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Every day in class, we are pushed to consider not just the information that we are learning, but the implications of those concepts on a broader global scale now and in the future. Whether the class is English, science, math, or history, we are encouraged to apply everything we learn to make a positive difference outside the classroom.

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
I can say with the utmost confidence that I would not be the person I am today, with the achievements and ambitions that I currently have, were it not for the outstanding education and community here at MPA. This school provided me with a support system that has allowed me over the years to find my voice, become more outgoing, and think beyond just myself in a way that makes me feel entirely prepared to go off to college and the real world next year. Read More

Meet Ling DeBellis ’19

October 16, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
From the beginning, MPA focuses on every part of learning—curiosity, creativity, and discovery. In Lower School, it’s letting you grow, giving you a solid foundation of asking questions, and experiencing new things. In Middle School, it’s learning how and why things work. There’s emphasis on independence and self-expression. In Upper School, it’s connecting the dots, learning to find deeper meaning and themes within all subjects. MPA has made me a thinker and a better human.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I know it’s okay to be me. I know that I can do what I set my mind to. I’m unstoppable because MPA has taught me to question, to think, and to care in every aspect of my life—academic and social.

If you have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
MPA is my home. I started in PreK in 2005 (first PreK class).

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
It’s a great place for your kids to grow up—it feels safe. We are a community. And the classes are amazing with even more amazing teachers. Read More

Meet Erik Sand ’03

September 29, 2017

Ph.D. student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Joanne Olson 13-Year Club Member

What do you love about MPA?
Academic rigor isn’t the only thing that matters. MPA is an environment that is infused with values like acceptance, respect, and tolerance. I know this emphasis is not found at all schools and it helped shape who I am today.

How were you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I served our country in active duty with the Navy for eight years, completed my undergraduate degree at Harvard University, and am currently a Ph.D. student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying political science and international relations. All of the important skills I needed for graduate school, I learned in 10th grade at MPA. I was taught how to teach myself and to learn for the sake of learning.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I was at MPA for 13 years and familiarity is something humans value tremendously. But for me, it’s more than just that. MPA will become part of who your child is. Read More

Meet Ms. Kimmerle

September 29, 2017

Fourth grade teacher
Lower School Parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 13th year.

What do you love about MPA?
When I arrived on campus 12 years ago, I was immediately drawn to the passion that the school had for maintaining and building a diverse community. Having worked in San Francisco previously, I thought I was at the epicenter of an educational environment that valued diversity. I was wrong. That was here, at MPA.

Then there are the students. From my first eighth grade class, to my current fourth graders, I have been impressed with each and every one of them. There is a light … a spark … you do not find that everywhere.

And then there are my colleagues. Watching them is what makes me strive to be better each day. I’ve never been around a harder working, more dedicated group of professionals.

I love MPA as a faculty member, clearly. But now, as a parent, I can hardly put into words my love for the school without getting teary eyed. My children are thriving here, and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them! Read More

Meet Melissa Peacock & Family

September 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
I love that students can follow their interests and try new things at all ages. It is perfectly normal for a soccer player to be involved in a theater production and compete on the robotics team. Kids are encouraged by the teachers and their peers to try things outside their comfort zone. It is a safe space to discover new interests and be passionate about learning.

How are your children encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Acceptance of individuality and inclusivity is core to MPA. It creates a safe space to try different things. My girls were not interested in sports, but in Middle School they were encouraged to join a team. They discovered they loved the camaraderie of being on a team and adrenaline rush of competition. They learned sportsmanship, team first, and that winning at all costs isn’t really winning.

If your children have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Our kids came from a Montessori foundation in early elementary school and transitioned smoothly to MPA. They were ready for a larger school and a more structured (yet still very hands-on) learning environment. MPA also offered more robust athletics and arts, which was all on campus during and after school. Combined with the busing from our home in North Oaks, that was very convenient. Read More