Relocating Families
Relocating your family is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Along with finding a new home, starting a new job, and settling into a new community, you're searching for the right school: one where your child will feel known, supported, and excited to begin again.
At Mounds Park Academy, we've welcomed families relocating from across the United States and around the world for decades. Many join our community because of career opportunities with leading Twin Cities employers, including 3M, Ecolab, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, the University of Minnesota, and countless other corporations, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit institutions. They quickly discover what makes MPA special: a warm, inclusive community where new families feel at home from the very beginning.
This page is designed to help make your transition a little easier. Whether you're looking for information about neighborhoods, winter in Minnesota, the admission process, or simply what it's like to live in the Twin Cities, we hope these resources help you feel more prepared and more connected as you plan your move.
We look forward to welcoming your family to Minnesota—and to Mounds Park Academy.
| Admission Process for Relocating Families |
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Relocating can happen quickly, and Mounds Park Academy is experienced in helping families navigate the admission process during a move. Whether you're planning a relocation months in advance or have recently learned you'll be moving to the Twin Cities, we are here to help. The admission process for relocating families follows the same general steps as for all applicants, with flexibility built in when needed. Whenever possible, we encourage families to visit campus for a personal tour, student visit, and family conversation. If travel isn't practical, tours and family conversations can be conducted virtually. Families relocating after the priority admission deadline—or seeking a mid-year transfer—are encouraged to contact the Office of Admission as soon as possible. We review applications throughout the year and will work with you to determine the best path forward for your family. Ready to get started? Explore the admission requirements and application process or contact MPA's Office of Admission to discuss your family's timeline and relocation plans. Office of Admission |
| About the Twin Cities |
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The Twin Cities are comprised of Saint Paul, Minnesota's capital city, and Minneapolis, its largest city. Home to more than three million people in a state consistently ranked among the nation's top, the region offers an exceptional quality of life with a rich arts and culture scene, abundant parks and outdoor recreation, thriving businesses, and activities for every age and interest. The Twin Cities are home to world-class museums, theaters, orchestras, professional and collegiate sports, and thousands of lakes, parks, and trails to explore year-round. Families also enjoy easy access to weekend adventures, from the forests and waterfalls of northern Minnesota to the shores of Lake Superior. Many of the nation's leading companies, including Target, 3M, General Mills, Medtronic, and Best Buy, are headquartered here, making the Twin Cities a destination for professionals from around the world. Conveniently located in the eastern portion of Saint Paul, Mounds Park Academy is just minutes from both downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis, making it an easy commute for families who live or work throughout the metro area. The Twin Cities are also home to a growing and diverse population, with communities representing cultures and traditions from around the globe. And yes—we experience all four seasons! Summers are warm and filled with lake life, festivals, and outdoor concerts. Fall brings brilliant colors, winter offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, and spring welcomes farmers' markets, baseball, biking, and new beginnings. Cultural ActivitiesSportsUniversity of Minnesota Athletics Office of Admission |
| Where MPA Families Live |
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Mounds Park Academy families live throughout the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin, but you'll find especially large concentrations of families in the communities below. Each offers its own unique character, lifestyle, and commute to MPA. Not sure where to live? Our admission team is happy to share insights about communities, commute times, and neighborhoods that may be a good fit for your family's lifestyle. Lake Elmo (55042)A favorite among MPA families, Lake Elmo offers a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with larger lots, beautiful parks and walking trails, and convenient access to shopping and historic downtown Stillwater. The commute to MPA is quick and straightforward. North Oaks (55127)Just minutes from MPA, North Oaks is a popular choice for relocating families and executives. Known for its tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and natural beauty, the community offers a quiet, residential feel while remaining close to both downtowns. Many MPA families either use nearby MPA bus stops or opt for the short drive to campus. Saint Paul (55102, 55105, 55116)Many MPA families call Saint Paul home, particularly the Summit Hill, Macalester-Groveland, and Highland Park neighborhoods. These established communities offer walkable shops and restaurants, beautiful historic homes, vibrant neighborhoods, and convenient access to both downtown Saint Paul and MPA. Bus service is available from several locations. Southwest Minneapolis (55410, 55419)Southwest Minneapolis is home to many MPA families, particularly in neighborhoods such as Linden Hills, Fulton, Lynnhurst, and around Lake Harriet. Known for its walkable streets, beautiful parks and lakes, local restaurants and coffee shops, and charming homes, Southwest Minneapolis offers an urban lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The commute to MPA is convenient via Interstate 94. White Bear Lake (55110)White Bear Lake is known for its charming downtown, strong sense of community, and outdoor lifestyle centered around the lake. Families enjoy local shops and restaurants, parks, boating, and year-round recreation, all within an easy commute to MPA. Woodbury (55125, 55129)Woodbury is home to many MPA families and offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, home styles, parks, shopping, and dining. Its convenient location provides easy access to both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the airport, and MPA. Bus service is available from several locations. Office of Admission
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| Real Estate Professionals We Recommend |
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Relocating to a new city comes with countless decisions—including where to live. Over the years, Mounds Park Academy has built relationships with experienced real estate professionals who understand the unique needs of relocating families and are familiar with the neighborhoods and communities where many MPA families live. Whether you're looking for a walkable urban neighborhood, a quiet suburban community, or something in between, these trusted partners can help you find the right fit. Dana Ashby, Edina Realty: website | danaashby@edinarealty.com Mark Ashby, Edina Realty: website | markashby@edinarealty.com Emily Cox, Crush Real Estate Group: website | emily@crushrealestatemn.com Liz Baker, Edina Realty (MPA aunt): website | emily@crushrealestatemn.com Victoria Simmonds, Compas (MPA parent and alum): website | victoria.simmonds@compass.com | meet Victoria Tammy Sinkel, Lakes Sotheby's Realty: website | SteveSmillie@edinarealty.com Steve Smillie, Edina Realty: website | SteveSmillie@edinarealty.com Krista Wolter, Coldwell Banker Burnet: website | kjwolter@cbburnet.com Office of Admission |
| Thriving Through Winter |
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Welcome to Minnesota! Your first winter may feel a little intimidating, but it quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of living here. With the right gear, a sense of adventure, and a little local knowledge, you'll soon discover why so many Minnesotans embrace the season. Dress for SuccessA great winter starts with the right gear. Invest in a warm winter coat, insulated boots, waterproof gloves or mittens, a hat, and quality wool socks. When driving, it's also wise to keep a blanket, an ice scraper, and other basic winter emergency supplies in your vehicle. Get OutsideMinnesotans don't hibernate—they head outdoors. Winter is the perfect time to try sledding, downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The Twin Cities offer countless parks, trails, and recreation areas where families can enjoy the season together, along with museums, theaters, festivals, and other indoor attractions when temperatures drop. Winter at MPAStudents don't simply endure winter—they experience it. Depending on their grade level, students may participate in outdoor learning, sledding on MPA's sledding hill during recess, snow tubing at a local park, winter science activities, i-Term adventures, alpine or Nordic skiing, hockey, and beloved school traditions like Sno Daze Spirit Week. Winter becomes another classroom for exploration, friendship, and fun. Learn the Local LingoYou'll quickly become familiar with terms like snow emergency, wind chill advisory, and winter storm warning. And don't forget the occasional snow day! Finally, don't be surprised when someone invites you over for hotdish—a classic Minnesota comfort food that's especially welcome on a cold winter evening. Before long, you'll find yourself doing what Minnesotans do best: embracing winter rather than waiting for it to end. Download Your Winter Checklist Office of Admission |
| Get To Know MPA |
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Want to get a feel for life at MPA before you visit? Explore our social media channels to see everyday student life, campus traditions, special events, and the welcoming community that makes Mounds Park Academy feel like home. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr. Office of Admission |
| Planning A Visit? |
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A campus tour is the best way to experience the heart of Mounds Park Academy. Meet the people who make our community special, ask questions, and explore the classrooms and spaces that matter most to your family. We offer both in-person and virtual tours by appointment. We understand that relocating families often have unique schedules and limited time in the Twin Cities, so we're happy to arrange abbreviated, customized, or off-hour tours whenever possible. Can't make it to campus yet? Explore MPA's campus while you plan your visit. Office of Admission |
| Location | Transportation | Request Information |
Meet Other MPA Families
