At Mount Prospect Academy, learning doesn’t stop at the desk. Our experiential learning programs give students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in hands-on, real-world settings—building confidence, practical skills, and a deeper sense of purpose along the way.
Designed to complement our academic coursework, experiential learning allows students to explore career pathways, develop critical problem-solving and interpersonal skills, and discover what success looks like for them. These programs emphasize collaboration, responsibility, and personal growth, helping students strengthen both technical abilities and the “soft skills” essential for long-term success.
Through guided instruction, real-world projects, and supportive mentorship, students learn by doing—whether they’re working with animals, designing landscapes, repairing engines, or preparing meals. These opportunities empower students to engage more fully in their education while preparing them for future academic, vocational, and life pursuits.
Karen Langley
Director of Academics
Experiential Learning Programs
Animal Science
Another MPA Hall Farm friend, Ethel the donkey
Animal Science offers students the opportunity to study and care for a variety of animals while learning about nutrition, behavior, health, and humane management practices. Through daily care routines and instruction, students develop empathy, responsibility, and an understanding of animal biology and production systems, supporting both personal growth and career exploration.
Automotive Technology
Fixing a tire in Automotive with instructor Dave M.
The Automotive Technology program offers students hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance, repair, and service. Instruction focuses on shop safety, proper tool use, engine systems, electrical components, brakes, and diagnostics. Students develop technical skills while learning problem-solving, attention to detail, and workplace readiness relevant to the automotive service industry.
Culinary Arts
Hard at working making lunch in Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts provides students with instruction in food preparation, kitchen safety, sanitation, and hospitality fundamentals. Students learn proper equipment use, nutrition principles, baking basics, and customer service skills. The program also emphasizes employability skills, leadership, and an introduction to entrepreneurship within the food service industry.
Horticulture and Landscape Design
Looks what’s growing in our greenhouse!
The Horticulture & Landscape Design program immerses students in plant science, landscaping, and greenhouse operations. Students study plant identification, physiology, and landscape design while gaining hands-on experience maintaining a school-based greenhouse. The program also exposes students to potential career paths through applied projects and site-based learning.
Woodworking
Woodworking
The Woodworking program introduces students to foundational construction and woodworking practices. Through project-based learning, students safely use hand tools, power tools, and woodworking machinery to design and build functional items. This course supports skill development in planning, craftsmanship, time management, and applied problem-solving.