Distinctly Mason Prep
The Heart of the Mason Prep Experience
It’s often the moments beyond the classroom that students remember most. From daily traditions to leadership opportunities, these are the programs that make Mason Prep special.
What Makes Mason Prep, Mason Prep.
We Believe…the most meaningful parts of a school experience often happen beyond academics - in the traditions, relationships, and opportunities that help students feel connected and grow into confident, caring people.
You’ll See It In…school traditions, meaningful service, Castles, and field trips.
Knight of the Day
Every day, we celebrate students who live out our MPS values: respect, integrity, personal responsibility, and being a productive citizen. Knights of the Day have been recognized for doing things such as sharing with a friend whose lunch was left at home, picking up trash on the playground, showing sportsmanship at a basketball game, or simply doing the right thing when no one is watching. It’s a meaningful way to reinforce that character matters and that even small actions can make a big impact.
Pen Pals
One of the most special programs at Mason Prep is our pen pal program, which creates connections across grade levels that students truly cherish. Younger and older students are paired together to write letters, spend time together, and build friendships throughout the year. Younger students gain a trusted role model, while older students learn the importance of leadership and setting a positive example. We love seeing the pen pal high fives in the hallways, and visiting alumni tell us they still remember the names of their pen pals.
Castles
Every student and faculty member belongs to one of four castles - Halsey, Hawk, Montagu, or Starr. Our castles provide another place, besides a grade or circle of friends, where students can feel a sense of belonging. Through friendly competitions and shared celebrations, students build school spirit, form connections across grade levels, and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves.
Community Service
Community service at Mason Prep goes beyond volunteering, it’s about understanding and impact. Each grade takes on a project and explores the real-world issues behind it, whether that’s food insecurity or access to clean water, engaging students more fully than is typical with traditional community service initiatives. Students learn that they are part of a larger community and that their efforts, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.
Field Trips
Field trips at Mason Prep are designed to deepen learning and build independence. Our younger grades enjoy local excursions (taking advantage of our location in the heart of downtown). Older grades look forward to overnight experiences like learning about the physics of roller coasters at Disney in 6th grade or seeing real-world applications of their study of civics during the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. These trips often become some of our students’ most lasting memories.
KNI-TV
KNI-TV is our student-run news broadcast and a favorite part of the week. Students take the lead in creating and delivering announcements, sharing school news, and bringing a little fun to the day. It’s a unique opportunity to practice public speaking and work together as a team.
City Council
MPS City Council gives students a real voice at Mason Prep. Each classroom is represented, and students in grades 6–8 can run for leadership roles, including Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem. Candidates campaign, give speeches, and take part in school-wide elections. It’s a fun, hands-on way for students to lead, represent their peers, and make an impact on school life.
Helpful Links
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.