School Investment
Hózhó Academy
Located in Gallup, Hózhó Academy aims to provide a rigorous classical education – focused on the liberal arts and sciences, moral character, and civic virtue – to Gallup and McKinley County students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Hózhó Academy was founded by Gallup native Patrick Mason, his wife, Rachel, who moved to Gallup to teach in the public schools, and Gallup native Arita Yazzie, an attorney with the Navajo Deparment of Justice. Hózhó's co-founders developed the school with the assistance of the prestigious Barney Charter School Initiative, which supports the launch of quality, classical charter schools.
Excellent Schools New Mexico provided funding to support the school’s enrollment growth from a K-5 school to a K-12 school serving 730 students at full-scale.
"My child attended two different schools here in-town and was still struggling. But, when my child came to Hózhó Academy I have seen that she has blossomed, and I’m happy with the school!"
Hózhó Academy Parent
- Co-Founders and School Leader: Patrick Mason, Rachel Mason, and Arita Yazzie (co-founders); Juliane Hillock (school leader)
- Opened: 2018
- Location: Gallup
- Grades Served: K-12 by 2024-25
- Type of Investment: Enrollment and grade-level expansion
- Impact: 730 new, quality school seats for New Mexico students