Mounds View offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, many of which aim to prepare students for life after high school, whether they plan on going to college or takinge a different path. The school’s academic offerings stand out, with several forms of college classes like Advanced Placement (AP), College in School (CIS) and Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC) courses, which simulate the rigor of college courses while giving students a chance for college credit in high school. 

Along with these courses, Mounds View offers several classes that aim to give students certain practical skills that they can carry with them after high school, like financial literacy and strong communication. In addition to its academic offerings, Mounds View organizes events like career fairs, field trips and internship opportunities to give students exposure to various career fields. 

Mounds View offers 26 different AP courses, far exceeding the national average of around 10 AP courses available at most high schools. This variety gives students a chance to learn a diverse set of subjects in -depth while exploring potential majors or careers. “All the AP classes I’ve taken have helped me prepare for college classes and manage workloads for classes,” says Mounds View alumni Avelyn Anderson. 

CIS and ARCC courses offer similar benefits with typically less academic rigor and without having to take the end-of-year AP exam; however, they can have more restrictions around college credit. Usually those credits are taken by many two and four- year institutions in Minnesota and other states, whereas, depending on the score on the AP exam, a majority of the colleges in the nation will take the credit for AP courses. 

Mounds View also offers several courses that give students a more direct, well-rounded education beyond traditional academics. Courses like Welding 101 and Small Engines and Power Sports Mechanics introduce students to a hands-on learning experience, giving various technical skills and exposing them to a career without the need for traditional four- year schooling. Another course, Speech, builds strong public speaking and communication skills, which are essential for nearly every profession. Additionally, Personal Finance — which recently became a state-wide requirement — equips students with skills such as budgeting, tax preparationes and credit management, which are crucial for navigating adulthood. These courses, along with many others, can help students start to develop important skills that are not taught in a traditional setting, while also giving them exposure to certain career fields, providing giving them better opportunities for their future. 

Extracurricular activities can also play a major role in preparing students for life after high school. Clubs like DECA and Econ team allow students to learn the fundamental aspects of business while also learning skills like leadership, problem solving and communication.  

In addition to its academic offerings, Mounds View organizes events like career fairs, field trips and internship or shadow opportunities. “We try to get as much information, and we really try to connect with our local employers as much as we can, and we try to set students up with local opportunities. We also give students opportunities like touring a manufacturing plant, or going to a career fair, or maybe having speakers come in and talk about their careers. We really try to give students that opportunity to see what it would be like to go into the workforce,” said Madison Hendrickson, College and Career Coordinator.  These events give students exposure to different industries and allow them to network with professionals, gaining insights into potential careers. 

While deciding what to do after high school may seem overwhelming, the best way to figure it out is with real-world experiences. “I really try to encourage students to involve themselves in as many experiences as you can. Students think that they need to have this big career experience, but you’re going to learn so many valuable things about your interests and your likes through just a basic summer job and through just simple experiences that maybe it’s a one-day job shadow, maybe it’s you talk to your neighbor or your mom’s friend, and they work for this company that sounds interesting. Talk to them about it. It’s those conversions that really help students figure those things out,” said Hendrickson.

Through these various academic and extracurricular offerings, Mounds View provides students opportunities to receive real-world experience, develop essential skills and explore potential careers. Whether a student is aiming for college, trade school or the workforce, the resources are there. It is up to them to put in the work, challenge themselves and take full advantage of the opportunities available.