In October 2024, Peace Academic Center closed its doors; MEA is now working to return the land and buildings to the Hopi tribe.
By Michael Danner for Mennonite Education Agency
ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Education Agency) — On September 17, 2024, the Peace Academic Center board made the decision to suspend the operation of PAC, due to low enrollment, unsustainable funding and lack of volunteer support. The Peace Academic Center, formerly the Hopi Mission School, was closed on October 15, 2024.
The Hopi Mission School was established in 1951 by the General Conference Mennonite Church. It is located near Kykotsmovi, Arizona, on the Hopi reservation. The land was provided to the General Conference Mennonite Church, through a federal land patent, for the purpose of education. The patent was transferred to Mennonite Church USA, when the General Conference merged with the Mennonite Church in 2002. As the education agency of MC USA, Mennonite Education Agency managed the relationship between PAC and MC USA. The land and buildings that make up PAC are in the process of being returned to the Hopi tribe.
Throughout its history, PAC served kindergarten through 6th grade students, with adult learning and GED programs also available. PAC saw an enrollment high of 120 students, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit PAC — and more broadly, the Hopi reservation — hard. The school closed during the pandemic and reopened for the 2022-2023 school year. Since that time, the average enrollment has been four students.
The buildings at PAC are also home to two important community partners: A University of Arizona extension program and a library belonging to the Hopi tribe are housed on the property. Both of these partners remain onsite and open.
Throughout its history, PAC was a vibrant school, supported by volunteers from Mennonite Voluntary Service and SOOP — both programs of Mennonite Mission Network — as well as short-term mission works, college study groups and educational professionals, who volunteered their time and resources.
“The closing of PAC marks the end of a season of educational ministry that has impacted many lives,” said Michael Danner, executive director of MEA. “We pray that the land and buildings will continue to bless the Hopi people under the leadership of tribal officials.”
Kay Neff, the former head of school at PAC, said, “We would like to thank all of the staff, students and volunteers who put so much time and effort into Peace Academic Center over the years. We still hear tales from teachers and students about their time at the school and how much everyone learned.”
Mennonite Education Agency, the education agency of Mennonite Church USA, is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana. MEA partners with Anabaptist-Mennonite educational institutions and programs to fulfill the educational mission of MC USA.
