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What MPS Means to Me

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What MPS Means to Me

Ava Dion, Alumna

Mason Prep Class of 2022 and Porter-Gaud Class of 2026

List of 5 items.

  • What do you think makes Mason Prep different from other schools?

    Mason Prep is different from other schools because of the tight-knit community that it provides for all of its students. Every student there feels a sense of belonging, no matter what grade they enter in. Due to the grades being on the smaller side, students have the ability to interact and build personal connections with every single person in their grade. Mason is such a special place because of its inclusive and positive environment that makes every student excited to go to school each day.

  • What was one of your favorite or most memorable MPS experiences?

    My favorite Mason Prep experience was my trip to Disney World in sixth grade. It was a great way for me to further connect with all of my classmates, and it was a great bonding experience as a grade. It was also a memorable learning experience for me, as I not only got to go on plenty of rides, but also got to learn how they operate. Being away with all of my classmates and teachers for a few days on a fun but educational trip really made me appreciate everything that Mason Prep has to offer.

  • How did Mason Prep prepare you for high school?

    Mason Prep prepared me for all aspects of high school. It is academically challenging to the point that my freshman classes seemed to be the same level of difficulty as my classes in middle school. Aside from academics, Mason Prep provided me with the necessary social skills to navigate the different types of peers that you encounter throughout high school. The most important lesson that I learned at Mason Prep that prepared me for high school was that not everyone is going to have the same thoughts and ideas as you, it is your job to listen and show respect to others that are different from you. That lesson significantly helped me once I got to high school. All around, academically and socially, Mason prepared me incredibly for my journey to high school.

  • How was your transition from MPS to high school?

    My journey from MPS to high school was a very smooth one. Yes, I was devastated to leave the school I had known so well for eight years, but I knew that I was ready to take the next step in my life. I am currently at Porter-Gaud for high school, and the transition from Mason was seamless. These schools are very similar in their teaching methods, and although Porter is a slightly bigger school, it was not a large adjustment at all. Mason provided me with all of the necessary resources and tools during my time there that allowed me to feel very comfortable and confident in my transition into high school.

  • What does it mean to be a Knight?

    Being a Knight means many things, but the most important thing to me about being a Knight is respect. Mason Prep values having respect for your peers, your teachers, your community, and yourself more than anything else. Having respect for each other allows for the most successful learning environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Without respect, MPS would not be the welcoming and comforting place that it is today.

Lindsey Nacey, Current Parent

List of 5 items.

  • Why did your family choose Mason Prep?

    We toured several area schools when we started looking eight years ago.  Mason Prep felt so very calm and warm, the learning environment just seemed so much better than what we saw at other schools.  The students didn’t seem pigeon-holed into one group or aesthetic. The administration was also very hands-on and engaged. We didn’t just meet/tour with an admissions director, we got to sit down with the head and assistant head of school.

  • What MPS experiences stand out for your students and family?

    Our children will tell you the Halloween Carnivals, the Book Fairs, Field Days, and field trips. As parents, we will say it’s feeling comfortable walking into the school at any time.  We feel invited and welcome and are therefore more involved. Mason Prep is truly our family. 

  • What do you think makes Mason Prep different from other schools?

    We think Mason Prep is different from other schools because of the strong bond between the teachers/administration and the students. Everyone is invested, across the subject matters and grade levels. Those bonds have unquestionably been a factor in our children’s academic success.

  • What advice would you give other parents considering Mason Prep?

    Our experience with Mason Prep is now three kids in and eight years long. We’re confident Mason Prep is academically preparing our kids as well or better than anywhere in Charleston. Mason Prep is small. We do have to supplement some activities outside of the school, but for what we get in the classroom, for us supplementing is worth it.

  • What does it mean to be a Knight?

    Being a Knight means embodying the qualities of honor, integrity, and bravery both inside and outside of the classroom. It means you uphold a code of conduct, treating others with respect and kindness. Knights strive to be role models and leaders, inspiring their peers to do their best!

Russell Bryant, Current Parent

List of 5 items.

  • Why did your family choose Mason Prep?

    We were searching for a smaller school environment that prioritized kindness and character alongside academics. We found exactly what we were looking for at Mason Prep. This was very evident as we met teachers, administrators, and other families during our search and the admissions process.

  • What MPS experiences stand out for your students and family?

    Our kids love the special school-wide events that happen each year. The Halloween carnival, holiday bazaar, and all of the fun field trips stand out. Our kids are also excited about things they get to look forward to, like the larger trips that the older grades go on each year. The available after-school activities have also helped make every week include something extra to look forward to.

    The great community here includes a lot of parent involvement opportunities. We have been very thankful for many opportunities to get involved with the school including classroom parties, field trips, the book fair, and supporting fundraising activities.

  • What do you think makes Mason Prep different from other schools?

    The teachers at Mason Prep are incredible. Our kids love their teachers. We feel that the teachers do a great job partnering with us as parents to ensure the kids get whatever they need to be successful.

    There is a strong emphasis on educating the whole child. The academics are strong, but good character is emphasized just as much. There is a close, supportive relationship between families and the school. The school continually emphasizes making connections across grades through the castle program and pen-pals. I have several memories of seeing 7th or 8th graders greeting my young child by name or seeing students across the grades encouraging each other at events.

  • What advice would you give other parents considering Mason Prep?

    If you're searching for a smaller school with solid academics and a close community that cares for every child, then I encourage you to visit Mason Prep.

  • What does it mean to be a Knight?

    A Knight is kind and considerate. Knights work hard and support each other along the way. A Knight is proud of their achievements and those of their peers. A Knight loves their school.
Mason Prep has an incredible curriculum and the best teachers! Mason Prep is a wonderful, close-knit community, and we are grateful our children have the benefit of all this school has to offer.
- Sam Havens, Current Parent
Kindergarten at Mason Prep is so special! Thank you for launching my children’s education and creating kindness and inquisitive minds for years to come.
- Brook Peters, Current Parent
Mason Prep field trips have a special way about them. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are from MPS field trips, and I am pretty certain my son formed some on his recent trip. Thank you!
- Ashley Saltmarsh, Current Parent & MPS Alum

What Our New Families Have to Say

What Our New Families Have to Say
Submit Your MPS Story: Email Joanne Stemple, Director of Communications
56 Halsey Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843.723.0664
Fax: 843.723.1104
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.
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