We can't say enough about the wonderful job the Early Childhood program at Mounds Park Academy did for both of our sons, Lewis and Arlo. Each spent 2 years in the program, respectively and separately, and each came away with such a strong academic foundation, social-emotional acuity, and a joy for learning. We will never regret a single moment our boys were in the MPA Early Childhood program for 4 combined years. It was perfect for them, for us as parents, and their joy and growth were maximized, there, under the tutelage of excellent, caring staff. We would love to steer as many families as possible into this program, to watch their own children shine and be accepted for exactly who they are.

When we joined Mounds Park Academy in 2021 for our son's first year of PreK, we didn't really know what to expect, but any expectations we could have had were far exceeded what we could have imagined. Then when our second son joined MPA's PreK in 2024, we knew what to expect and even still were in awe of the care, concern and overall experience he received for his 2 years in PreK. Both of our boys entered their PreK experience as shy timid kids, and left confident, curious and true leaders for peers. They are kind, inclusive and a friend to all while still academically challenged with where their needs were each step of the way! Now, we have a 3rd grader and kindergarten who are thriving in their classrooms, all thanks to the wonderful programming they received in PreK!

As both the parent of a Mounds Park Academy graduate and a longtime member of the MPA administration, I have seen this school from every angle, and what stands out most is how deeply each child is known. Small class sizes aren't just something MPA strives for, they create intentional space for real relationships between students and teachers who notice when a child is thriving, when they're struggling and when they're ready to be stretched a little further. My own child wasn't just a name on a class list but a person whose interests, challenges and potential were understood and nurtured, and I see that same care extended to every student who walks through MPA’s doors. The academic and social supports are extraordinary, meeting kids where they are and helping them grow into confident, capable and kind young people. Add to that wonderful facilities and opportunities that are second to none, from the arts and athletics to leadership and global experiences. MPA is a place where students don't have to choose who they want to be, they get to explore and experience all of it! MPA is a place where children are truly seen and valued and that makes all the difference.

We had an incredible experience with Mounds Park Academy’s PreK program! Our son is now in kindergarten, and we couldn’t be happier with how well the program prepared him for this next step. The teachers are amazing and create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. One of the things that stood out most to us was how intentional the PreK team was about incorporating the children’s individual interests into daily learning. Our son was fascinated by insects and frogs, and his teachers did a wonderful job using those interests to make learning fun and meaningful through art projects, storytelling, and other classroom activities. It was clear that they really got to know him as an individual and wanted to make his experience special. We also loved how the program introduced the children to so many aspects of the MPA experience. Our son got to eat lunch in the Family Commons, attend Physical Education in the Lansing Sports Center, and enjoy music class several times a week. These experiences helped him become comfortable with the school environment and gave him a wonderful foundation for kindergarten. Looking back, we are so grateful for the care, creativity, and thoughtfulness the teachers put into each day. MPA’s PreK program was an incredible experience for our family, and we feel it did a wonderful job preparing our son for a successful transition to kindergarten. We would highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing, engaging, and enriching start to their child’s school journey!

As a parent, I have been incredibly impressed with MPA. Our child is truly known and valued as an individual, while being consistently challenged in a supportive environment. The school strikes an excellent balance between academic rigor and character development, helping students grow into confident, compassionate young people. We also deeply appreciate the community’s commitment to diversity, which enriches every aspect of the student experience. MPA has exceeded our expectations in preparing our child for success both in and out of the classroom.

Our son attended Mounds Park Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade, and looking back, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience for him. One of the things I appreciated most about MPA was the positive peer pressure. He was surrounded by kids who were smart, motivated, involved, and wanted to do well. Doing your best was just normal. His friends challenged him, probably without even realizing they were doing it, and I think that made a real difference in how hard he worked and what he expected of himself. At the same time, it never felt like a pressure cooker. He could be a serious student, an athlete, get involved in other activities, and still have a life. His teachers knew him well and knew when he could do more. He wasn't able to just coast because he was naturally a good student. Now that he's in college, we can see even more clearly how well MPA prepared him. He's comfortable advocating for himself, talking with adults, managing a demanding workload (school + work), being a collegiate athlete, and more. A lot of those habits started at MPA. It's a significant investment to send your child to an independent school. With some distance from it now, I can say we would absolutely make the same decision again. MPA didn't just give our son a strong education. It put him in an environment where the people around him made him want to be a better student, but more importantly, a better person.