welcome to mmi preparatory school

MMI Preparatory School ∙ 154 Centre Street ∙ Freeland, Pennsylvania 18224 ∙ 570-636-1108 ∙ www.mmiprep.org

· MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PAPage 2 · MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA

570.636.1108 · www.mmiprep.org ·

MMI Preparatory School is an incredible educational opportunity for students, giving them the chance to grow and thrive in an environment that focuses on preparing students for success in college and beyond.

In today’s world, knowledge of a variety of subjects is crucial. MMI prepares students by ensuring they receive an extensive education in all disciplines. This philosophy equips students to apply the knowledge they have learned, giving them a well-rounded appeal that colleges find desirable.

Students who attend MMI develop critical thinking skills and are consistently challenged to reach their full potential. Perhaps most importantly, MMI emphasizes how to learn, teaching students methods other than simple memorization to retain information.Students learn to connect ideas and learn how different subjects complement each other.

Faculty members are committed to MMI students and their growth and make themselves readily available when students need extra help. MMI’s low student-to-teacher ratio ensures plenty of individual attention for each student.

An investment in an MMI education is an investment in a child’s future, as all MMI graduates go on to attend college. Many of them receive scholarships to attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country.

To help with this investment, MMI offers financial aid. More than half of MMI’s students receive need-based financial aid, demonstrating that an MMI education truly is affordable.

We encourage you to experience MMI for yourself by visiting our campus.

You can also call 570-636-1108 or visit www.mmiprep.org to learn more about MMI.

Welcome toMMI Preparatory School!

570.636.1108 · www.mmiprep.org · Page 3

The value of an MMI educationThe value of an MMI education may be measured in many ways. For example, MMI consistently has some of the highest SAT scores in the region, exceeding state and national averages by hundreds of points.

MMI students also excel on the ACT national college achievement examination. ACT test questions are directly related to what students learned in school.

The value of an MMI education becomes even more evident when applying for college acceptance.

“Because of our focus as a college preparatory school, MMI students are 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 Head of School Thomas G. Hood.

MMI also offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Students who enroll in AP classes also take the AP exams which can enable them to “place out” of entry-level college courses.

Individual attention through small class sizes is another great MMI benefit that you don’t find at other schools. It allows teachers to have more one-on-one time with their students.

Indeed, the majority of our alumni cite the value of an MMI education as being priceless, having helped instill habits and skills, along with a level of confidence that continues to give them an advantage throughout their lives.

· MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA

Brone Lobichusky ’09BIOLOGY/PRE-MEDICAL STUDENT, SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

The MMI Preparatory School guidance department is an integral part of every student’s experience from their first year at MMI to their last. Our 6th-9th grade guidance counselor gives our students a good foundation to prepare them for the challenges to come in the following high school years. The guidance counselor strives to build a personal relationship with all of our students, so we may better assist them with whatever challenges they face. MMI’s small size allows us to foster these relationships and individualize their counseling experience.

Our college admissions counselor for 10th-12th grade is committed to providing individualized attention to our students throughout the college process through personal meetings and weekly college counseling classes. Not only is the college counselor committed to developing strong personal

relationships with the students and encouraging them to visit anytime to talk about college or life, but parents’ questions or concerns are always welcomed, also. This level of individualized attention provided to our students and their families is a hallmark of our college counseling program. Students are monitored closely to ensure that the appropriate programs, standardized testing requirements, application calendars, scholarship/financial aid information, academic development opportunities, and professional guidance are in place and being utilized. Students are consistently provided with events, opportunities, and timely reminders about important dates and deadlines throughout each year. By providing our students with the best resources and information, we know they are in position to be strong applicants.


“The passage from high school student to college student comes with hurdles and can be a bit daunting for the unprepared. Fortunately for me, the transition was smooth and manageable because MMI prepared me well in all respects for the move to higher education.The academic foundation I received at MMI due to its high standards of excellence and its innovative curriculum made me ready and able to handle the demanding science classes I take as a biology/pre-med major. Facing calculus, biology labs, organic chemistry, and physics as a college freshman did initially give me pause; however, I found I was capable of mastering the material and doing well in those courses because of the strong science and math background I had from my classes at MMI. And MMI’s team-building sports program taught me dedication, discipline, and the value of hard work.

Finally, MMI prepared me for college in a most unique, albeit important, way. MMI gave me confidence. The confidence the school builds in its students is a byproduct of all that is wonderful about MMI, and it is the culmination of everything MMI has to offer its students.MMI nurtured my confidence so that I developed to my utmost potential as a student, and it helped me see that anything was within my reach. With this confidence, I applied for and was chosen for the position of student academic mentor at Swarthmore, which is a highly coveted position.”

Lewis Bevans ’10CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

“I had the opportunity to attend MMI from sixth through twelfth grade and, looking back, I can say I was preparing for the day I would move on from middle/high school to college from day one. Starting very early on in sixth grade, we had class discussions on possible college majors and our academic interests. MMI offered us a variety of college-level classes and academic extracurricular activities that proved to be invaluable to my college preparation.Throughout my time at MMI, I took advantage of the smaller, more personal high school atmosphere to challenge myself with AP classes, as well as participate in as many college sponsored exams, competitions and academic team activities as possible. The knowledge and exposure to higher-level problem solving gained from those experiences in and out of the classroom helped greatly when acclimating to my freshman year at college.As a chemical engineering major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the majority of my classes are on the subjects of math, physics, and chemistry. Aside from the obvious class size, the content of material covered and the quality and knowledge of the teachers who taught me at MMI are comparable to college.

Guiding students to a successful life...

At MMI, we’re continuing our founders’ 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.

In fact, more than 50 percent of MMI students receive need-based financial aid.

We offer generous financial aid packages to qualified families, provide merit 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.

Plus, our guidance counselors work diligently to keep up to date on the latest scholarships and financial aid that are available for our students for their

upcoming college years.

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. Each year, our graduating class earns millions of dollars 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.

An affordable private education

Financial AidNeed-based financial aid is available for students attending MMI Preparatory School.

Apply to see how much your child’s award could be.



New friendshipsFriendships...

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.

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!

Inside the classroomMMI’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.

“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 Head of School Thomas G. Hood.

Michael P. Scarlato, Social Sciences instructor, said, “Our students are exposed to a variety of experiences that help them make significant choices about their future. I think students should have the chance to explore areas of interest to them. It is important to me to see the students develop educationally, emotionally, and socially, because each area is critical in shaping a well-rounded individual who is mature enough to face the decisions ahead.”

Faculty member Christina Spencer believes, “We help students build a solid educational foundation through an invaluable education, the help of dedicated families, the diverse background of the student culture, and MMI’s unwavering traditions ... which are all tools toward paving a successful path for students to excel in school and life.”

Mathematics instructor Gerard Pierotti said, “MMI Preparatory School is a special place where a student has the opportunity to reach his/her full potential in all areas, including academics, athletics, and creative arts. The environment at MMI radiates a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

MMI instructors shown here include Christina Spencer (far left), Michael Scarlato (left), and Gerard Pierotti (below).


The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center


The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center opened in 2012 and is the perfect setting for study and educational pursuits. Featuring Wi-Fi

Internet access, the library is also poised for the future.


A strong curriculumMMI’s curriculum offers a challenging and rigorous college preparatory framework that mixes the basics of traditional education with advanced instruction and a vast elective course listing. All three of these curriculum components are necessary to prepare students for the demands of future learning. MMI courses are designed to offer unique opportunities for all students.

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. As a reflection of this personal growth, curriculum choices become more extensive as a student moves through the school.

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.

The MMI curriculum develops critical thinking and encourages students to develop very important time management skills. MMI challenges students and then teaches them how to meet those challenges. That has been the key to our success for more than 125 years.


MMI Preparatory Curriculum Tree

MMI’s curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of college life. It is organized under a “Curriculum Tree” that consists of two main branches: STEM and Humanities.

STEM - Science - Technology and Engineering - Mathematics

Humanities - Arts - English - Social Sciences - World Languages

Nearly all of the subjects offer three main types of courses: core, Advanced Placement, and electives.

For a complete breakdown of the curriculum, visit www.mmiprep.org and click on the “Academics” tab.


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

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, girls’ volleyball, cross country, golf, and soccer. At the mid school level, students can participate in boys’ or girls’ basketball, girls’ softball, and boys’ baseball.

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 and competitions, including our Envirothon, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, 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 Mathcounts, Mandelbrot Math, and the Geography Bee.

Other clubs are career-oriented, like 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, drama, skiing, chess, robotics, music, writing, and more – are just plain fun!

The MMI Athletic Complex opened in 2011 and offers a great place for practice and playing games across from the school.


Apply to MMINow 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. 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.

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

309

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940

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FreelandHazleton

Wilkes-Barre

To TamaquaJim Thorpe

To Bloomsburg

To Scranton

To Stroudsburg

Nanticoke

Mountain Top

White Haven

AdmissionsAdmission is based on academic merit and character. Many new students enter MMI starting in sixth grade, with almost all entering by ninth grade. However, qualified candidates may be admitted in any grade except twelfth, if space is available.

ApplicationPlease contact us for an application: call 570-636-1108, fax 570-636-0742, email [email protected] or download it at www.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.

Applicants must take an entrance examination, which is only given once a year.

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

What parents are saying...

“MMI’s mission is ‘to provide dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring college preparatory education for success in college and beyond.’ One way MMI honors this statement is by offering scholarships and aid to help those who otherwise would not be able to afford this quality education. Sophia Coxe started subsidizing student tuition costs in order to make MMI available to more than just the wealthy. MMI continues this subsidization and has given us the opportunity to enroll our three sons by offering scholarships that have been generously set up or donated by alumni, local businesses, and local communities. We try to give back to MMI by volunteering whenever possible with school functions. MMI is still an expense for us, but much less of a burden.”

– Sue and John Driscoll

(At left are their three sons,

Patrick ’14, Jake ’13, and

Brian ’16.)

Aprilaurie WhitleyDirector of Admissions

and Financial Aid

welcome to mmi preparatory school

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