As the principal of the Mars Area Elementary School, I am proud to serve our community and families. The goal at MAE is to supply an educational experience for all students through a highly qualified team of professionals and cultivate the foundational educational skills that the students will need to ensure success beyond the elementary school setting. The students at MAE are part of an environment that allows them to work to their potential. The Mars Area School District is fortunate to have so many families that take part in the educational process of their children.

The Mars Area Elementary School houses all Grade 2, 3 and 4 students in the Mars Area School District and has over 930 students. There are thirteen (13) Grade 2 classrooms, twelve (12) Grade 3 classrooms and thirteen (13) Grade 4 classrooms. Our students are greeted each day by over 75 hard-working staff members with one goal: providing our students with the best education possible.

The use of the latest technology adds quality and richness to the rigorous curriculum for all students. Technology is infused into almost every daily lesson through the use of iPads and state of the art ViewSonic Boards which keep the students actively engaged in every Grade 2, 3, 4 and learning support classroom. We have embedded a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) classroom to allow our students to begin the process of acquiring 21st Century skills.

The Mars Area Elementary School works in concert with our extremely active Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) to supply a rich and supportive educational experience for all students.

Once again, welcome to the Mars Area Elementary School. If you have any questions, please contact me at (724) 625-3161 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Mr. Todd Lape, Principal
Mars Area Elementary School

Principal's Profile

Mr. Todd Lape is the principal of Mars Area Elementary School.

Lape previously served as principal of Mars Area Primary Center (2015-2018) and Mars Area Centennial School (2009-2015). Prior to joining the District, he served as an elementary principal, middle school principal, and a fifth grade teacher at Oil City Area School District.

He holds a master’s degree in elementary mathematics and science and an elementary education certification from Slippery Rock University; a bachelor’s degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University; and a principal’s certificate from Gannon University.