Hopitutuqaiki Language Immersion School

Hopitutuqaiki, a school located on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona, is transforming education for Hopi children by blending Montessori principles with Hopi language, culture, and values. With all teachers being local Hopi women who speak the language, the school nurtures students in a way that honors their heritage while fostering independence, curiosity, and life skills. Since 2005, Hopitutuqaiki has offered a Hopi language immersion preschool, and in 2023, it became a year-round Montessori school—now the only one of its kind on the reservation. Montessori education serves and aligns with the Hopi culture and the needs of how Hopi children learn. The natural way of learning, the freedom to observe, the work with the hands, all of these principles seem to fit very well with the Hopi children.

Currently, young students benefit from the guidance of a certified Montessori teacher, with a second teacher completing certification this summer. With grant support from MGGF, Hopitutuqaiki will be able to support this training. 

By investing in Hopitutuqaiki, funds from MGGF will help cultivate an educational environment where Hopi children can reach their full potential while preserving their language, culture, and identity.