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Mount
Pleasant
Time & Temp
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| Education |
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Mount
Pleasant offers one of the state's finest educational systems,
preschool through college.
Early learners in the community enjoy spending their days
at Grasshopper Green and The Owl's Nest/ Learning Tree, two
exceptional preschools in the city.
School-aged students welcome the goal of the city's acclaimed
public school system is "to develop responsible, productive,
lifelong learners for a changing world by effectively using
all available resources." The district's 2220 students receive
a quality education provided by 135 highly trained educators.
The Mount Pleasant Community Schools system encourages parental
and community involvement at its four elementary attendance
centers (Harlan, Lincoln, Salem and Van Allen), Mt. Pleasant
Community Middle School, and Mt. Pleasant Community High School
(along with the WisdomQuest Alternative High School).
Students in the Mt. Pleasant schools (319-385-7750) traditionally
score very well on achievement tests, with 60 percent or more
scoring at proficient or advanced levels on the Iowa Tests
of Basic Skills/Iowa Tests of Educational Development.
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The
Mt. Pleasant Community Schools system encourages parental
and community involvement from the elementary to the
high school level.
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Students
also learn effective communication, application of knowledge
and skills to everyday life, problem-solving, citizenship,
respect for others, effective use of technology, and how to
work together and independently.
Dedication to learning and improvement are important to staff
and students. The district is working toward a number of goals,
including assuring all students have proficient or advanced
reading, math and science skills. In recent years the district
has woven technology into the curriculum, preparing students
for the technological 21st century. MPCSC provides specialized
programs and services for those with language barriers or
learning difficulties. There are a myriad of co-curricular
activities of all kinds throughout the school system and a
large percentage of the students participate in one or more
of these activities.
Student attendance is often indicative of future career success
and on average more than 95 percent of MPCSD students are
in attendance daily. The dropout rate of just two percent
is extremely low. Mount Pleasant's high school students typically
score above national and state averages on ACT college testing
and have won numerous academic awards and scholarships. More
than 85 out of 100 graduates plan to pursue additional schooling
or training beyond high school. Although student achievement
is, of course, the ultimate incentive for the school district,
strides are also made to ensure the overall success of the
students in life endeavors.
Volunteers contribute more than 18,000 hours annually to enhance
student learning in a number of ways and the Mount Pleasant
Community PTA is very actively involved in the district in
support of the student, staff and programs. The Mount Pleasant
Community Schools Foundation, through donations of all kinds,
provides special extras for the school district. The school
has a number of advisory committees, allowing area residents
to offer input on everything from school facilities to technology
to hiring.
Mt. Pleasant Christian School, on Highway 34E, is a non-denominational
school providing a full curriculum of regular academic courses
taught from a Christian perspective. More than 200 students
in grades K-12 from nine Southeast Iowa school districts are
taught by state-certified Christian teachers.
Students at Mt. Pleasant Christian School (email
mpcs_99@yahoo.com) learn skill fundamentals in all core
subjects, including reading, writing, math, history and the
sciences, as well as in the fine arts and independent study,
guiding students toward a lifelong acquisition of knowledge.
Students are assisted in learning to differentiate truth from
falsehood and right from wrong based upon the Bible.
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Pleasant offers an array of post-secondary opportunities. Iowa
Wesleyan College, a private, four-year liberal arts college
founded in 1842, is one of the oldest colleges in the country.
Iowa Wesleyan's academic program is guided by the college's
vision 'Learning in Community'. Through this vision, the college
produces learning by encouraging students to be active participants
in their own education, learning from the full-range of life
experiences in the real world. 'Learning in Community' invites
the community to be active in the Iowa Wesleyan educational
process, emphasizing the value of the thinking, support, experience,
talents and skills of individuals both on campus and beyond.
IWC also features an innovative educational approach called
Real World Learning. This program combines a sound liberal arts
education with career and service opportunities, providing a
link from classroom learning to a career. Students at Iowa Wesleyan
(www.iwc.edu)
develop critical life skills and participate in field experiences.
The college has approximately 800 students representing a diverse
mixture of cultures and nationalities, who receive ample personal
attention with a 1:12 faculty/student ratio. There are a number
of extracurricular sports and activities available. The college
offers a wide variety of degrees and financial aid opportunities
are available. Iowa Wesleyan is affiliated with the United Methodist
Church and prides itself in its educational diversity. |
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Mt.
Pleasant is also home to two fine colleges.Iowa Wesleyan
College, founded in 1842, is one of the oldest colleges
in the country.
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| Southeastern
Community College's Mount Pleasant Center offers credit courses
for those who plan to obtain a bachelor's degree, as well as
noncredit courses for individuals interested in professional
development and lifelong learning. SCC offers a complete schedule
of general education courses needed in the pursuit of any college
degree as well as GED courses. Credits are transferable to most
colleges and universities. Classes are available day and evenings,
allowing people to benefit no matter what their schedule. The
SCC Center offers top-quality training for nurse aides and orderlies
along with classes in computer skills, financial planning, and
a variety of other life skills. SCC'S Center for Business and
Industry Services including financial assistance for economic
development, contract training, consultation services and workforce
training can be accessed at the Mount Pleasant Center. |
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