What MPS Means to Me

Even though Academic Magnet High School is known for its academic rigor, 8 years at Mason Prep fully prepared me for my freshman year there. The Algebra 1 and Spanish 1 classes I took in 8th grade more than prepared me for my freshman year math and Spanish classes, and the invaluable study skills, test-taking skills, ability to focus, and classroom manners I learned at Mason Prep helped me succeed in my other classes, as well. Notably, I remember feeling like my grammar foundation from MPS actually exceeded my high school English teachers’ expectations! Socially, as much as I loved MPS’s tight-knit community, I was ready to branch out by the time I entered high school. I believe the social skills I learned at MPS prepared me well for making friends at a slightly bigger high school.

Primarily, Mason Prep’s close-knit community sets it apart from other schools. Within the classroom, I remember feeling like I knew my classmates and teachers well, and I always felt like my teachers cared about my happiness and wanted me to succeed. As a former shy kid, I made special bonds with many of my teachers because they encouraged me to spread my wings and made me feel special just the way I was. This experience isn’t unique to me, though; the teachers at MPS ensure that every student gets recognized for their talents. For example, Mr. Huser gives every student a unique “Huser Award” at the end of every school year which relates to his/her personality, and almost every student earns a “Nice Knight” award at some point during his/her MPS career. I love that MPS encourages and rewards students for being authentically themselves.

As MPS’s first-grade teachers are well-aware, being a Knight means being a "bucket filler," not a "bucket dipper.” Kindness, empathy, and open-mindedness are traits I really feel like I learned at Mason Prep. MPS also taught me to be polite, respectful, and mature, especially when talking to adults; I still remember our formal principal Mr. Kreutner encouraging us during an assembly to respond and maintain eye contact when he said “good morning” to us in the carpool line every day. 

Some of the most memorable experiences I had at MPS include going on field trips to Walt Disney World and Camp Tekoa, running the Holiday Bazaar in 6th grade, and going to the Halloween carnival every year. Although MPS's well-organized traditions are such a special part of my childhood, some of my favorite memories from Mason Prep are more mundane moments. For example, I remember my excitement when I was recognized as the "Knight of the Day" in first grade, my curiosity as I examined Ms. Renkas’ science specimens after school, my dedication to remember to bring the flag down at the end of the day when it was my turn to do so, my sadness at end of year parties because I knew I would miss my teachers over the summer, and my drive to solve challenging white board equations correctly in Ms. James’s class. These simple moments are what made my time at MPS so special. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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!