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the value of an MMI education

Come inside and

More and more families are choosing MMI Preparatory School.

In fact, over the past two years we’ve hired additional faculty and expanded class offerings to maintain our small average class size of 15 students to accomodate a 35% increase in enrollment.

MMI lays the foundation needed for students to gain acceptance to some of the best colleges and universities in the nation, often with generous scholarship awards. The Class of 2007 alone amassed more than $1 million in scholarships.

So, come inside this publication and you'll discover...

• the true value of an MMI education

• individual attention through small class sizes

• how truly affordable an MMI education can be

• the many athletic opportunities we offer

• one of our most valuable assets... our dedicated faculty

After exploring MMI, you’ll realize that MMI is a great choice for preparing your child for a college education and for life!

4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The value of an MMI education

6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .An affordable education

8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New friendships

10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A dedicated faculty

12-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A strong curriculum

14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Athletics and activities

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to apply

· MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA

Contents

570.636.1108 · www.mmiprep.org ·

The value of an MMI education

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. ”

“The faculty at MMI helped me develop the study habits and writing skills that not only helped me get into college and law school, but also succeed. After four years of college and almost three years in law school, the teachers I had at MMI have been some of the top professors and educators I’ve had through my entire academic experience.”

“When I came to college, a lot of my peers had trouble with some of the writing assignments. Having had so much experience with writing papers at MMI, it made the transition to college a breeze.”

“There’s a myth that exists that MMI is a school only for the children of doctors and lawyers, but that’s just not the case. As the son of a newspaper editor and a teacher’s aide in the public school system, I can say that MMI is open to any and all students that want to succeed.”

“Even though the academics at MMI require a lot of study time, I still had the opportunity to participate in a lot of sports throughout high school. I played basketball, baseball, tennis and even golf. I don’t think I would have had that opportunity at another high school.”

Andy Christopher ’00UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF LAW


The value of an MMI education can be measured in many ways, but this value becomes most evident when applying for college acceptance.

“Because of our focus as a college preparatory school, MMI students are uniquely well prepared when it comes time for college. They often find themselves earning admission to prestigious schools and once there, discover that they have already covered much of their first year coursework,” said MMI President William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58

Individual attention through small class sizes is another great benefit of MMI. On average, there are only 15 students in each class.

MMI also offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Students who enroll in them are offered the opportunity to take the AP tests which can enable many of them to “place out” of entry-level college courses. It isn’t unusual for an MMI graduate who has taken AP courses to skip introductory college classes. During the admissions process, colleges and universities view this as significant evidence of a students’ academic accomplishment, drive and preparation.

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. ”

~ Benjamin Franklin

“I don’t think I’d be in the position I am today as an internal medicine resident at the University of Pennsylvania without the work ethic that was instilled in me at MMI.”

“MMI is a terrific school, but it really was the teachers that inspired me. They are very supportive both academically and in your extracurricular interests. They strive to support you while keeping you aware of the importance of academics as well. The atmosphere at MMI really encourages you to do your absolute best.”

“MMI helped me greatly to gain acceptance into the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University, where I did my undergraduate. From there, I went on to get my medical school training at Temple University School of Medicine.”

“The Advanced Placement courses at MMI were a huge help in college. I was able to place out of biology and chemistry as a freshman. Even with the courses that I did take my first year in college, the preparation at MMI was amazing. My first-year calculus course was a breeze because I already had everything at MMI.”

Jodi Washinsky ’99MEDICAL INTERN, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL


College Acceptances

Members of our last five graduating classes were accepted into some of the most prestigious schools in the country, including:

Auburn University

Pennsylvania State University

Tufts University

Lafayette College

University of Pennsylvania

Lehigh University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Bucknell University

Columbia University

Dickinson College

Duquesne University

George Washington University

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

University of Notre Dame

United States Military Academy at West Point

Stanford University

University of Michigan

University of Miami

Purdue University

Arizona State University

Drexel University

Saint Joseph’s University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Cornell University

College of William and Mary

Johns Hopkins University

Boston College

Syracuse University

At MMI, we’re continuing our founder’s belief that a quality education should not be out of anyone’s financial reach .

Based on this premise, MMI has one of the largest percentages of students receiving financial aid among independent schools in Pennsylvania .

Believe it or not, more than 65 percent of MMI Prep’s students receive some type of financial aid . For the 2007-08 academic year, more than $705,000 in aid was awarded to 164 of the school’s 254 students with an average financial aid award of $4,300 .

We offer generous financial aid packages to qualified families; provide scholarship awards for educationally gifted students; offer a work-study program; provide the option

for a 10-month payment plan; and even collaborate with an outside firm to arrange low-interest student loans .

The return on the investment of an MMI education can be most clearly seen when looking at our students’ success in receiving academic scholarships

to college . There were 21 graduates in the Class of 2007 who were offered nearly $1 million in awards and scholarships to some of the best colleges and universities in the country .

A worthwhile investment in your child’s middle and secondary

school education can bring incredible opportunities for his or her educational future .

Number of MMI Students Receiving Financial AidThe following chart shows that families of various income levels receive financial aid. This information pertains to the 2007-08 school year.

An affordable private education


Financial AidMore than 65% of students receive some type of financial aid while attending MMI.

Gross Family Income number of families

$20,000 or less 34

$20,001-$40,000 31

$40,001-$60,000 31

$60,001-$80,000 28

$80,001-$100,000 18

$100,001 or greater 22

Let’s take a look at how two families afforded to send their children to MMI. By reading these case studies, you’ll see that families of various means can give their children the benefit of an MMI education.

To learn how your family may benefit from the financial aid packages available at MMI, contact the MMI Admissions Office today at 570-636-1108.

This family sent two children through MMI with a total family income of $25,000 a year .

“We chose MMI because of the school’s reputation for superior education . I first heard about MMI while my son was in elementary school,” the father said .

But the family’s financial situation would keep them from sending their children to MMI – or so they thought .

“Our children received academic and need-based scholarships . They were also on work study,” he said .

Combined, this family received about $7,000 a year per child – covering more than two-thirds of the cost of a year’s tuition . The parents and extended family members paid the rest .

“MMI was really worth it . Our son is thriving now at college, really doing well, because he went to MMI and knows he can compete with the best . And our daughter got a full scholarship to a college we wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise . MMI’s high standards really bring out the best in its students . They help them reach their ultimate potential .”

The father of one MMI student owns a business and the mother is a stay-at-home mom . Their total family income is about $50,000 a year .

“We originally thought an MMI education for our son was financially out of reach,” the mother said . “But a friend whose children go to MMI said the school offers financial aid and that you’d be surprised who receives financial aid .”

After filling out the necessary paperwork, this family now receives half of the cost of an MMI education - $5,000 - in financial aid . The student also receives about $1,500 each year by participating in the school’s work-study program .

“I think work study is a great way for him to have a summer job . It teaches him more responsibility and helps with the tuition costs .”

“MMI is well worth the investment . If our son earns college scholarships, the MMI education can even pay for itself and more .”

Family #1 TOTAL FAMILY INCOME: $50,000

Family #2 TOTAL FAMILY INCOME: $25,000

Real-life financial case studies


New friendships


“Everybody knows everyone at MMI, which makes it different than most schools… but that also makes it special. You know you can rely on each

other and support one another.

You develop such strong friendships that last beyond the school. We hang out, go to movies, play sports and games. Just have fun.”

Friendships...

They’re a hallmark of MMI.

With a small campus and small class sizes, MMI is the ideal setting for building lasting friendships.

It’s easier than most prospective students may think... often, new students make lasting friendships their first day.

Don’t just take our word for it, read what the students on these pages have to say.

From extracurricular activities, to athletics, to social gatherings and working together on projects, MMI’s students quickly become part of a “family.”

MMI’s curriculum and subject pacing encourage the development of strong interpersonal bonds. Students realize they are all in it together, so they help each other reach their goals.

Become part of MMI’s family and you’ll make friendships that will last a lifetime!

David Lopez ’09


“It’s not difficult to make new friends because your entire grade experiences the same things together, whether you start in sixth grade or ninth grade or whenever. Everybody knows each other. Between sports, clubs and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to get involved, so making new friends is effortless.

There’s a real bond among classmates… you get a connection with everyone. It’s like having a bunch of brothers and sisters because you get to know each other so well.”

“MMI introduces you to people you may have never met otherwise. I’m now friends with kids that are from different school districts that came to MMI, so it broadened my

horizons. The friendships go beyond grade levels, so it’s not just juniors hanging out with juniors or freshmen with freshmen. You often find yourself hanging out with students from many grades.”

Bridget Veglia ’08

Mitch Sauers ’09

A dedicated faculty

MMI’s small campus setting certainly provides an environment that’s conducive to learning. Yet, it’s really the strength of our faculty that sets us apart and enables our students to better prepare for college, and for life.

When you talk with MMI faculty, you realize that, to them, teaching is more than a career . “Teaching is a passion for me . I would never say that teaching is my job, because I believe it’s a way of life…it’s who I am,” said Rhonda Scirrotto, one of the school’s sixth grade teachers .

“Our job as educators is to provide students with the intellectual tools to be successful and the encouragement and confidence to get the most out of themselves,” said MMI Vice President Thomas G . Hood, who joined the school in 2006 after a 22-year career in the United States Army, including four years as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point .

Hood is just one of seven new faculty and administrative members who’ve joined MMI over the past two years . Several teachers were added to accommodate the addition of a third ninth grade section in 2007 and a second sixth grade section in 2006 .

Gregg Bluth is one of the new faculty members . “Physics and math support the technology that is integrated into everyday life . . . My goal is to prepare students for their college studies with solid quantitative skills and expose them to a variety of careers and important applications of math and science,” Bluth said . Prior to coming to MMI, Bluth was a professor for 14 years at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI .

English teacher Kate Green summed up the learning atmosphere at MMI . “Teaching at MMI is ideal because parents and students are ‘on board’ for the challenges offered to them . Teaching proceeds here with few distractions,” she said .

And Spanish teacher Dennis Clarke talks about the many benefits the language arts program provides . “Studying language and culture makes for a better understanding of other peoples and other cultures,” he said .

Economics teacher Marlene Scibilia talks about her love for teaching . “Learning is my passion and seeing students acquire knowledge is very rewarding and fulfilling . I think MMI provides the educational opportunities and experiences that allow students to create a more productive life and achieve higher aspirations in living and in learning . MMI’s schooling exposes the students to diverse viewpoints and varied skills,” she said .

“These are just a few examples of the positive and supportive attitudes of MMI’s family of teachers,” said MMI President Dr . William A . Shergalis ’58 . “The school and the students are very fortunate to have a well-rounded staff to help guide them through their mid school and prep school years .”


Barbro AnthonySixth Grade

Linguistics - Univ. of Lund (Sweden)

B.S. Elementary Education - Bloomsburg Univ.M.S. Education/Technology in the Classroom - Wilkes Univ.

Dennis P. ClarkeSpanish

B.A. Spanish - King’s CollegeM.S. Ed. English - Wilkes Univ.

Anthony R. CusatMathematics

B.A. Mathematics-King’s College

Rev. Lawrence R. BarrigerGreekLatinB.S. Cursu Classico - St. Peter’s CollegeGraduate degrees in Theology and Ed. from Christ the Savior Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary

Gregg J. S. Bluth, Ph.D.PhysicsAlgebra

A.B. Geology - Univ. of California BerkeleyM.S. Geochemistry - Penn StatePh.D. Geochemistry - Penn State

Grete H. DeAngeloU.S. HistoryA.P. U.S. HistoryGeography

B.A. Journalism (History Minor) & M.A. History- Lehigh Univ.1992 graduate of MMI

Anthony J. Gennaro, Sr.Earth LifeA.P. BiologyBiology

B.S. Zoology - Penn StateM.S. Biology - S.U.N.Y. at New PaltzPost-graduate studies


A Growing Faculty

Kathryn A. GreenEnglish

B.A. Secondary English Education - Illinois Wesleyan Univ.Masters Ed. - Western Illinois Univ.

Gerard J. PierottiMathematics

B.S. Mathematics - Bloomsburg Univ.M.Ed. (Reading Specialist) - Bloomsburg Univ.Post-graduate studies

Lori Ann SweetArt

B.F.A./M.F.A. School of Visual Arts

Dennis P. ClarkeSpanish

B.A. Spanish - King’s CollegeM.S. Ed. English - Wilkes Univ.

Christine M. LizbinskiMusic

B.S. Business Administration/Accounting - Bloomsburg Univ.

Peter A. Schultz, Ph.D.GermanSocial Studies

B.A. - Hope CollegeM.S. - Univ. of CinncinatiPh.D. - Ohio State

Justin P. VincentComputer Science

B.S. Computer Engineering - Elizabethtown College

Susan MoyerMathematics

B.S. Mathematics &M.S. Education concentration in Mathematics - Wilkes Univ.

Marlene ScibiliaEconomics

B.A. in Linguistics & Languages - U. Mayor de San Andres (Bolivia)B.S. Mgmt & M.S. Org. Mgmt. – Misericordia Univ.

Bruce E. YoungAthletic DirectorPhysical Education

B.S. Health and Phys. Ed. - East Stroudsburg Univ.M.B.A. - Bloomsburg Univ.

Indicates new faculty member

Some faculty member credentials had to be shortened in order to fit on this page.You can learn more about the MMI faculty at www.mmiprep.org.

Matthew KenenitzEnglish

B.A. English/Philosophy - Bloomsburg Univ.M.A. English - Binghamton Univ.M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction - Bloomsburg Univ.

Michael P. ScarlatoSocial Sciences

A.A.S.-Penn StateB.A. History (minor General Business)-King’s CollegeMaster of Health Care Administration-Wilkes Univ.

Donna J. TitusEnglishGeography

B.S. Secondary Education &M.A. English - Univ. of Scranton

Gregg J. S. Bluth, Ph.D.PhysicsAlgebra

A.B. Geology - Univ. of California BerkeleyM.S. Geochemistry - Penn StatePh.D. Geochemistry - Penn State

Patricia MedveckyPhysical Education

B.S. Health and Physical Education - East Stroudsburg Univ.Instructional II Certificate

John A. ScibiliaDirector of Guidance

B.A. History - King’s CollegeM.A. Guidance and Counseling - Catholic Univ. of AmericaPost-graduate studies

Sharon WeaverHealth

R.N. - State of PennsylvaniaB.S.N. - Cedar Crest CollegeM.S.N. - Univ. of PhoenixDoctoral studies - Walden Univ.

Grete H. DeAngeloU.S. HistoryA.P. U.S. HistoryGeography

B.A. Journalism (History Minor) & M.A. History- Lehigh Univ.1992 graduate of MMI

Laura NemetzChemistry

B.S. Biochemistry & M.A. Biochemistry - Univ. of ScrantonPost-graduate research at Penn State

Ronda ScirrottoSixth Grade

B.S. Elementary Education - Bloomsburg Univ.

Anthony J. Gennaro, Sr.Earth LifeA.P. BiologyBiology

B.S. Zoology - Penn StateM.S. Biology - S.U.N.Y. at New PaltzPost-graduate studies

Rev. William C. O’HaraPsychology

B.A. German and Russian Studies - Muhlenberg CollegeMaster of Divinity (Ancient Languages and Practical Ministry Psychology) - Lutheran Theological Seminar

Joyce P. StevensMentor Coordinator

B.A. Psychology - Muhlenberg CollegeM.S. Individual and Group Counseling - Univ. of Scranton

George Roskos ’05SETON HALL, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

“MMI prepared me so well for college that I feel I have an advantage over the other students. The classes I took my first year at Seton Hall basically covered the same content as my junior and senior

years at MMI.”

George is attending Seton Hall on an academic scholarship. He has maintained the Dean’s List every semester.

“Kate Rogers, one of my fellow alums, is here, too. I do keep in touch with her and several of my other classmates as well.”

“MMI gives you the foundation to be the best you can be. The school instills professionalism, public speaking, and the confidence to succeed.”

A strong curriculum


When it comes time for a student to go to college, MMI graduates are better prepared than most.

MMI challenges students and then teaches them how to meet those challenges.

The curriculum develops critical thinking and encourages students to develop very important time management skills.

We offer a traditional college prep curriculum, which emphasizes the major subjects. Because they are so well prepared, MMI graduates often find themselves ahead of the class in their first-year core courses in college. This makes the transition to the independence of college life a lot easier – and it allows students to branch out and explore new areas of study, taking electives they otherwise might not have considered.

Most students will have one to two hours of homework a night (sometimes more if they’re working on a special project or report). That may sound like a lot, but when they get to college, MMI students are prepared for the workload they encounter – again, easing that transition to university life. And while the pace is brisk, we offer faculty and peer-to-peer tutoring, so students aren’t left behind.

In mid school, students develop their ambition and drive. As they advance to the prep school, they develop a series of goals, further their commitment to work, increase their drive to succeed, and take greater responsibility for their own learning – just as they will when they go off to college.


Sixth GradeEnglish, Ancient Greek, Mathematics, Literature, Social Studies, Science, Word Processing and Internet Safety, Physical Education, Music, and Art.

Seventh GradeEnglish, Life Science, Geography, Latin (Elementary), Physical Education, Library Science, Basic Computer Applications, Music, and Art.

Eighth GradeEnglish, Pre-Algebra or Algebra I, Physical Science, America and the World, Latin (Intermediate), Art, Music, Physical Education, Health Education, Problem Solving, and Computer Logic.

Learning in the FieldTeachers at MMI often take students on field trips to experience practical applications of topics they study in the classroom.At right, students had the opportunity to suit up and visit a “clean room” at Penn State University’s Nanotechnology Center during a recent field trip.

Mid School Curriculum

Prep School Curriculum

Freshman ClassGrammar and Composition, Algebra I or Algebra II & Trigonometry, Biology, American Political Behavior, German I or Spanish I, Physical Education, Speech, Health Education, Art, and Music.

Sophomore ClassAmerican Literature and Composition, Geometry, Chemistry, World History and Culture, German II or Spanish II (Grammar and Reading), Physical Education, Computer Programming, Art, and Music.

Junior ClassBritish Literature and Composition, Algebra II & Trigonometry or Analysis, United States History or AP European History, AP Chemistry or AP Biology or Physics, Major Elective (Choose from: Psychology or Economics or Studio Art or German III or Spanish III), Advanced Computer Applications, Consumer Education, and Physical Education.

Senior ClassAP English Composition and World Literature, Pre-Calculus or Calculus, Physics, 20th Century U.S. History or AP United States History, Major Electives (Choose from: Psychology or Studio Art or Economics or German IV or Spanish IV or AP Chemistry or AP Biology), Computer Technology, Physical Education, and Senior Seminar.

Academic Field Trips

Athletics and ActivitiesAt MMI, we offer opportunities that challenge our students to reach for higher levels of achievement and continually help them to measure the success of their efforts through the progress they make.

It’s our belief that participation in athletic competition and extracurricular activities builds discipline and character and furthers a student’s ability to manage his or her time, a valuable skill for college and for life .

Amazingly, more than two thirds of MMI’s students in grades nine through 12 compete in varsity sports .

MMI’s athletic offerings include basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, volleyball, cross country, and golf, and in 2007, the school added both boys’ and girls’ soccer to its program . At the mid school level, students can participate in boys’ or girls’ basketball and cheerleading . Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, MMI will add mid-school girls’ softball to its offerings .

A fully equipped weight and exercise room helps students train year-round .

In addition to athletics, MMI offers many clubs and activities to engage students in their range of talents, abilities, interests, and backgrounds .

Students with an appreciation of science can participate in a number of clubs, including our Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) team, which has been nationally ranked for many years in a row, or the Envirothon, Mathcounts, and Biology Olympics teams .

While those activities encourage the development of teamwork, students who like individual pursuits can indulge in a wide variety of activities including a forensics club, the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, and several creative writing outlets such as the school newspaper, “Prep Talk,” journalism club, literary magazine, and the yearbook .

Other clubs are career-oriented, like the Health Careers Club or FBLA, while the highly successful Mock Trial Team is for those with an interest in the law .

Still others, like the Rotary Club-sponsored Interact Club, provide students with a chance to give back to the community .

And some clubs – including bowling, skiing, board games, robotics, music, writing, and more – teach activities for a lifetime and are just plain fun!


Basketball

Baseball

Softball

Volleyball

Cross country

Golf

Soccer

Tennis

Cheerleading

Athletics

Mock Trial

Prep Talk

Health Careers

Forensics/Speech

String Ensemble

Mathcounts

PJAS

JETS

FBLA

Envirothon

Literary Magazine

After School Clubs

Music

Robotics and Electronics

Scrapbooking

Ski

Video

Writing for Publication

Woodworking

Yearbook

During School Clubs

All Sports

Art

Board/video Games

Books for Pleasure

Bowling

Cooking

Crocheting

Interact Community Service


how to apply to MMI

Now that you’ve read about some of the advantages of an independent school education at MMI, we want to invite you to visit us and learn more about what our school has to offer

your son or daughter . Speak with our current students, and if you’d like, we can arrange for you to meet with a family that has personally experienced the many rewards MMI provides .

MMI is committed to attracting qualified students representing a diversity of ethnic, racial, religious, and social-economic groups .

Many parents today who care about quality education choose independent schools . They understand the benefits of small class sizes, excellent teaching, and the importance of instilling good study habits beginning in the mid school grades and continuing right through prep school .

Don’t assume MMI is only for exceptionally bright students . We have helped many students excel, who, prior to coming to MMI, earned average grades . Then, they have gone on to gain acceptance to some of the best colleges and universities in the country . All a student needs is a desire to succeed .

AdmissionsAdmission to MMI Preparatory School is based on academic merit and character . Most new students enter MMI during sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth grades . However, qualified candidates may be admitted in any grade (except 12th grade) where space is available .

ApplicationFor an application to MMI Preparatory School, please contact us . Call 570-636-1108, fax 570-636-0742, or email kmcnulty@mmiprep .org .

Entrance requirementsAdmission to MMI Preparatory School is open to any person, regardless of race, color, religious preference, sex, or national origin . The applicant need only demonstrate that he or she is capable of performing well, both academically and socially .

Prospective students must take an entrance examination . These examinations are administered during October, February, and May of each academic year .

Call MMI today to schedule a visitation to our campus or to register your child for the next entrance examination . Or, visit us on the web at www .mmiprep .org .

MMI Preparatory School154 Centre Street, Freeland, Pennsylvania 18224570.636.1108 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mmiprep.org

“I just think MMI is this little jewel that’s hidden in Freeland. Having a school like this basically right in our backyard is a real benefit.”

– Sherri DzurishinMMI parent

“The school is close, and even if it weren’t, it’s worth the trip for our kids to go to MMI. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.”

– Lisa FinkelsteinMMI parent

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