School Spotlight: Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School

The School Spotlight series is an invitation for supporters and friends to learn about individual schools’ life-transforming work – and why we provide access to all 80 schools serving grades K-8 in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School

Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School traces its roots to two historic parishes—St. Walburga and St. Martin of Tours—which merged in January 2003 to form the Catholic Church of Mary Queen of Peace, St. Walburga, founded in 1857, is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Northwest Hennepin County and operated a school until the 1970s. St. Martin of Tours was established in 1912 and opened a grade school in 1950. The school continues today as Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School (MQP), serving students from pre-K through 5th grade.

Today, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary of educational service, the school cultivates family-like connections and outstanding academic excellence. Much of this culture can be accredited to their school philosophy: We believe Christ is the reason for our school, the unseen but ever present teacher in our classrooms, the model of our faculty and the inspiration of our students.

Ann Marie Zeimetz, the school principal, has been dedicated to Catholic education for 34 years. She assumed the leadership position at Mary Queen of Peace in July 2024 and has found the Christ-focused mission to be a strength of the school. “I’m drawn to our mission of faith, service, and academic excellence rooted in a supportive, Christ-centered community. It’s a joy to lead a school where students are not only growing intellectually, but also becoming kind, compassionate people who live out their faith every day.”

Ann Marie expands on what makes MQP stand out, “The deep sense of community and connection that our students and families feel from the moment they walk through our doors. We combine strong academics with faith-based values in a nurturing environment where every child is known, supported, and celebrated.”

The Aim Higher Foundation is pleased to support the work of MQP by providing their student body with scholarships to increase access to this unique opportunity for Catholic education. Anne Marie comments, “The Aim Higher Foundation has had a powerful impact at Mary Queen of Peace by making faith-based, high-quality K–8 education more accessible for families with financial need. Their $1,000 scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated need, ensuring that every child and family has the opportunity to experience the gift of a Catholic education—an opportunity made possible through Aim Higher’s generous support.”

Elizabeth O’Phelan, an Aim Higher parent, has felt the direct impact of this blessing on her daughter. “The Aim Higher Foundation has made such a big difference in our family’s life. Without it I would not be able to send Isabel to such an amazing school. Education is so important these days and Aim Higher makes it possible for me to give Isabel the best opportunities possible.”

In partnership with the school, the foundation has worked to identify opportunities where financial support is the critical difference for a family  Since working with MQP, donors have made it possible for the foundation to support almost 10% of the school body each year, and because of the foundation’s renewable support, students have been able to return to MQP year after year. We are pleased to support even more MQP students in the coming school year. The Aim High Foundation is committed to furthering the impact of Catholic education and is blessed to do so alongside Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School.

About Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School
At Mary Queen of Peace, students are taught with individual care. The mission of the school revolves around lifelong learning and an attitude of citizenship. The buddy program supports multi-age learning where students develop their learning while building community. Mary Queen of Peace offers a personalized education by cultivating a learning environment that feels safe, inspiring, and faith-filled. Learn more here.