Ita Lavayi
A short film about how language can change the idea of learning.
HOPITUTUQAIKI
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Session One: March 3 to April 4, 2025
Session Two: April 14 to May 16, 2025
Session Three: May 27 to June 27, 2025
Session Four: July 7 to August 8, 2026
Session Five: August 18 to September 19, 2025
Session Six: September 29 to October 30, 2025
Session Seven: November 10 to December 12, 2025
Session Eight: January 5 to February 6, 2026
The last day of HLIMS year celebration is February 6, 2025, at 11AM
2025 Class Schedule
LANGUAGE IMMERSION MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Information
Hopi children aged 3 to 6 are immersed in Hopilavayi. Lessons are led by a certified Montessori guide and teacher’s aide fluent in the Hopi language. The H.L.I.M.S school is located on the campus of the Peace Academic Center in Kykotsmovi, Arizona. Tuition is $50.00 for each five-week session. Waiver requests are welcome, and no child will be turned away due to inability to pay tuition. A light morning snack and a complete nutritional lunch are offered.
We plan daily lessons, culturally focused field trips, and appropriate activities with parental input. We require parents to participate in their children’s learning. Parents and guardians are encouraged to carry Hopilavayi lessons and learning into the home, which ensures consistent learning.
Each session lasts five weeks, with a one-week break between sessions. The class is held Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Extended care is available from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. upon request.
The registration deadline is one week before each session, and registration is ongoing throughout the year. For more information or to register, contact H.L.I.M.S (928) 814-0091 or email: hlis@hopitutuqaiki.com
Observation Rules
Observation Don’ts
• Do not distract children during their work period
• Do not take pictures without permission
• Do not speak ENGLISH
• Do not announce yourself as you enter the classroom
H.L.I.M.S., thank you for your time and visit to our school
Observation acknowledgement
I have read the above requirements and agree to respect them to the best of my ability.
To ensure the best possible observation experience for both you and our children. The following requirements are in place to protect our children and the fairness of our school. All visitors are expected to respect the following “Do’s and Don’ts.” Should our staff have to give you a gentle reminder during your visit, please keep in mind that their priority is our commitment to the children and the families.
Observation Do’s
• Observe discreetly
• Limit your movements
• Position yourself in the designated chair
• If a child initiates contact with you, do your best to acknowledge them with a brief greeting.
• After your visit, please don't hesitate to ask any questions.
Holidays
Monday, May 26, 2025, Memorial Day Holiday
Thursday, June 19, 2025, Juneteenth
Monday, September 7, 2025, Labor Day Holiday
Monday, October 13, 2025, Indigenous Peoples Day
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Veterans Day
Thursday & Friday, November 27-28, 2025, Thanksgiving Holiday
Ceremonial activities take place throughout the year. In recognition of these events, we may cancel classes and notify parents or guardians as a courtesy.
Tuition
Fees collected for tuition help support funding for the school. Tuition is $50 per session. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in all sessions to ensure consistency in learning the Hopi language. Tuition waivers can be requested; no one will be turned away for failure to pay tuition fees. You'll need to make tuition arrangements before attendance.
Covid-19 Safety
For continued safety and compliance with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), each classroom will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each session. Students will be encouraged to wear face masks (gloves are optional). Students will be reminded of safety procedures such as maintaining distance and cleanliness. Temperatures will be taken before entering the classroom. Anyone involved in any school activity must inform mentors and school staff of symptoms, reporting any illness or health concerns immediately. Class sizes will be limited to 10 students and 1-2 mentors. Outside visitors will only be allowed if authorized by the Facilitator. These measures will remain in place to ensure everyone's safety.
H.L.I.M.S Downloadable Admission Form
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Registration Form
This downloadable, printable form is available to those interested in enrolling in the Hopi Language Immersion Montessori School (Tsatakmuy’ Kiiam). If you have any questions about filling out the form, don't hesitate to get in touch with HLIMS at 928-814-0091 or email HLIS@hopitutuqaiki.com
We are pleased to offer parents and students extended care services with the HOPITUTUQAIKI Language Immersion Montessori School. We offer a safe and structured environment designed to provide an engaging extension of the school day. Students will participate in read-alouds, activities, crafts, and play time to explore and learn in an extended immersive environment.
Extended Care hours: 2:00 pm-5:30 pm
Location: The HLIMS cottage on the campus of the Peace Academic Center.
Cost: $5.00 per day, with a weekly rate of $ 25 (full amount due at the end of each week).
Call 928-814-1003 to pay by CREDIT/DEBIT CARD or pay in person, cash, or money order (No personal checks)
Snacks: Parents may provide healthy snacks for their child.
Extended Care Form
Online Admission Form
This online form is designed to be easier for busy parents. Please fill out and click submit. For payment, please call 928-814-1003 to pay by credit card/debit, or pay in person, cash, or money order (no personal checks)
Meet the H.L.I.M.S Staff
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Joannie Takala
LEAD GUIDE
Joannie Takala, Hopi Speaking Primary Montessori Guide. I am from the village of Shungopavy, of the Snow Clan. My earlier part of education started at the Toreva Head Start, and completed my high school at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA, where I received my high school diploma in 1982. Later in my education, I attended Northland Pioneer College and received my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development. After working in the Phoenix area for a few years, I returned home to the Hopi reservation. I started my Work in special education, helping children with autism at the various schools on the Hopi reservation. In 2023, I became a teacher assistant at Hopitutuqaiki-Language Immersion School. Not long after that, I went to school at Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies, where I received my certificate as a Montessori guide in June of 2024. As a guide at Hopi Language Immersion School, my mission is to reclaim our children's education and honor our heritage by using a comprehensive cultural and academic curriculum to assist families in nurturing Hopi speaking holistically healthy community-minded and academically strong students. Changes and transitions have been a constant since the inception of the Hopi Language Immersion School. We will always be learning and trying to do better as we continue to focus on revitalizing our language and the development of our children, our staff, and our overall organization. As a lead guide and teacher, I have worked to help create a culture of love and a love of learning, unlearning, and relearning, building a safe environment for our children and our community. The work is hard to do alone. We know we can't do it without the support of our board directors, Tribal leadership, funders, and all our supporters whose commitment to Hopi language immersion school helps us attain our mission.
Askawli,
Kiishynom
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Leann Lomatska
TEACHER ASSISTANT
Leann Lomatska, a proud member of the Koykangwungwa clan (Spider clan) from the village of Hotevilla, is deeply rooted in her culture. She currently serves as a teacher assistant at the Hopitutuqaiki Language Immersion School (tsasak’hoymuy kii’am) and is studying to be Montessori-trained, all while maintaining her strong connection to her Hopi heritage.
Today, Leann's dedication is evident as she takes care of her mother in Hotevilla Arizona, while also finding time to create yungyapu (Hopi wicker plaque) in her spare time.
“Nu hapi I’muy tsatsak’hoymuy ow ha’lai’ii, It hopi lavayi tuqaivani. Ovi ima tastasyom hapi qa ita’ lavayi qa sutok’nayani. Pay yan’tani asqualli.”
Contact us to apply or for more information
office@hopitutuqaiki.com
hlis@hopitutuqaiki.com
PH: (928) 814-0091
Located on the campus of the
Peace Academic Center in Kykotsmovi.