Mary Queen of Peace School

Both of my Children attend MQP. One graduated and one still attends The best part of the school is the high academic expectations that prepare your child for high school. The other is excellent parent involvement and the teaching of "giving". My son still connects with friends, even though they did not attend the same Catholic High school (mine DeSmet, others SLUH, etc). That speaks highly of the bonds and friendships that occur there. I think the leadership could use some fine tuning. Some decisions are made without consulting or asking the parent's opionions first. Regarding the need to belong to a "country club" as one review stated. We do not find that odd; there are two close by - a great deal of the parents that do belong do this via their "grandparents" anyway. I hope this helps anyone considering.
—Submitted by a parent

i had a great time at this school and have many friends going to ivy leagues schools that also attented here. It is a new young building that was remodeled a few years ago. They have recently installed many new smartboards. the freedom here is not great but the academics have there ups and downs. I had fun at mqp also in sports and plays. Theree are many great familes that live in this parish. The school continously procceds in sports with 6 city county championship winners this year.

The previous review was obviously from a disgruntled parent who had a bad experience at MQP, and for that I am sorry. I have children who have graduated as well as children presently attending MQP. Overall, we have had a very positive experience, and the school does an excellent job of preparing them to enter the high school of their choice. My children are average athletes, and have all enjoyed playing many different kinds of sports. And, with a few exceptions, the experiences have been very positive. The sports related issues and bullying are not at all unique to MQP, but I believe a reflection of our society in general. And again, are the exception, not the rule. In the summer, most kids like to swim and hang out with their friends, and the area offers many good choices, including the three mentioned. When speaking about the ACTS Retreat, it is my guess that the parent has chosen not to attend the retreat, but rather to pass judgement on those that have. None of us are perfect, and seeing the face of Jesus in others is a choice. I'm glad that Mary Queen of Peace has made that it's motto and am proud to be part of such a wonderful parish!
—Submitted by a parent

Before considering MQP school, be sure your child fits into at least two of the following criteria: 1) Family belongs to one of the two nearby country clubs 2) Family are members of Crestwood Pool 3) Child is a strong athlete especially in soccer and/or basketball. This element becomes especially important in fifth grade. 4) Family is part of ACTS retreat. ACTS is a religious retreat that started at MQP 3 or 4 years ago. Also, beware of bullying, both physical and emotional. The school is in denial that there's a problem because it's a Catholic based education and therefore, the children see the face of Jesus in their classmates. Other observations: There is very little comraderie between the teachers. The children, in general, are rude. Extremely cliquish atmosphere among the parents and it filters down to the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I am guessing that many of these reviews were NOT parents of children but rather those who are just against conservative values. My son attended the school all 9 years and was TOTALLY prepared for one of the best college prep Catholic boys high schools in the area. And yes, he was an athlete but also on honor roll every year and went to college on an academic scholarship with 21 college credit hours! MQP can be snobby and cliquish I admit. However they are stringent because they stick to the old world style of educating. Some policies are tough, but obviously being a Catholic school they are going to be highly conservative and NOT liberal. That's the definition of Catholic elementary schools. You may not like that type of environment but thousands do and there were many years where there was a long waiting lists to get in. The kids are accepted into the best high schools in St. Louis and the school is beloved by many. It is not designed for kids with learning issues or special needs and they will tell you that when you apply although I think they are progressing in that arena.
—Submitted by a parent

The only place at this school a child is allowed to excel is on the sports fields. This school and parish community has many problems from the cliquey environment of the parents and students, to a staff, administration, and pastor that function with tunnel vision, to a boring, inflexible curriculum in the middle school. This school is okay for K-4th grade, but not great. The middle school program is antiquated. It does just what it needs to prepare students to take average level high school classes. Few students come out of this school prepared to take advanced/honors high school course work in their Freshman year, which is sad considering most students come from 2 parent college educated families, many having masters and doctorate degrees. If your idea of discipline is the principal and teachers degrading the students in front of others, this is the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

We love MQP! It's a great educational community where the parents are heavily involved. The teachers are engaged with the students and challenge them on assignments. We've been there for 5 years thus far and its been a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is unintelligent and unfriendly. For the sake of your kids, stay away from MQP!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a typical catholic school in every way. In that way, they are rigid, uncreative, and stuck in the era of the 30's and 40's with their teaching style. Academics are average because they simply do lots of busy work with an over-emphasis on memorization. They do not learn the work but simply memorize for the test. They have darn little creative outlets and they are so scripted that creativity is stifled. There are so many other fantastic schools out there but like lemmings to a fire they flock to this school. It is over-crowded. The parents are hyper-involved and over competitive. The teaching style is an antique as are some of the actual teachers. The administration is focused on money and not the students or the culture of the school. I would not send any child to this school ever.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at this school for 2 years. It was possibly the worst school for me. The parents were terrible, they would complain about a C or a B and I even had parents whine tome about her daughter getting an A-. They always wanted to know why and when you told them they did not believe you and it ended up being the teachers fault. The students were rude and did not respect anybody, but I guess it shows how lacking of parenting skills these parents have. THey are 2 busy trying to be friends with their kids instead of parents. The only reason I took this job is that I needed a job but now I am in a public school which I have no problems with parents or students
—Submitted by a teacher

What a fabulous school. We moved from California several years ago and my 2 children then, 5th grade and 3rd grade, were so far behind compared to theses students. They are grooming these students to be the leaders of tomorrow. This school teaches the children to be independent thinkers while teaching discipline and extreme intelligence. The teachers are so dedicated and are there to produce great leaders, not just to make money. Many adults would benefit from sitting in on some of these classes. Their teaching system incorporates some old school techniques, but with very forward thinking leadership ideas.
—Submitted by a parent

While the academics at this school are adequate, the learning environment is stilted. The school utilizes learning techniques that have been outdated for years. Specifically, learning in rows, lots of lecturing at the board and very few creative outlets for learners of different styles. It is very rigid with its rules and regulations that it tends to stifle learning and social growth. Although it is a religious school, some students tend to be less empathetic than students coming from neighboring public and private schools. There are many cliques and cattiness that extends beyond the classroom into the very culture of the school. After school activities are only geared towards students that enjoy sports. The arts are relegated to sub-subject and are not actively encouraged by the administration. Teacher quality is adequate if not slightly below standards. Teachers are hard-nosed and unyielding to change including the younger ones.
—Submitted by a parent