West Seattle schools: Holy Rosary chooses Anna Horton as next principal

Holy Rosary School will have a new principal for next school year – and she’s already a Holy Rosary parent. The school has just announced Anna Horton as its next leader:

Holy Rosary School is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Horton to the position of principal, effective July 1, 2016. Ms. Horton succeeds Mr. George Hofbauer, who will retire in June after serving with distinction as teacher and principal for 45 years in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

After an extensive search both locally and nationally, Ms. Horton was the unanimous choice of the Principal Search Team. She brings many gifts and talents to the Holy Rosary School community. Her background in science education will help her integrate STEM into all areas of the school.

The announcement continues:

Her knowledge of the latest curriculum as well as her forward-looking philosophy will ensure that Holy Rosary School remains at the leading edge of education. Her contagious energy and enthusiasm will engage parents and students alike. And her faith in Christ will serve as the foundation and driver of it all.

“I came to Holy Rosary initially as a parent,” said Ms. Horton, whose oldest daughter is in Pre-K at the school. “The teachers captivated my heart. As I got to know more about Holy Rosary’s legacy of academic excellence, student leadership and service to the community, I knew this was where I was meant to be and could do great work.”

Ms. Horton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology and a Masters in Teaching, both from the University of Washington. She has Professional Teaching, Administrative, and Professional Administrative Certifications from Seattle Pacific University. She is currently earning her Doctorate in Educational Administration and Superintendent Certification, both at Seattle Pacific University.

Ms. Horton was previously principal at Dimmitt Middle School, after acting as assistant principal at Lindbergh High School, both in the Renton School District. She began her career as a middle school science teacher.

“Ms. Horton brings tremendous experience in education and curriculum development to Holy Rosary,” said Father Matthew Oakland, pastor of Holy Rosary Church and School. “But I most admire the depth of her Catholic faith, her striving to know and follow Jesus, her service to the community, and how she will engage our students and wider school community to do the same.”

Ms. Horton converted to Catholicism in her early 20s and has been an active and engaged member of St. James Cathedral for many years, acting as the volunteer manager for the men’s shelter since 2001. She and her husband, David, have three daughters and are parishioners of both Holy Rosary and the Cathedral.

16 Replies to "West Seattle schools: Holy Rosary chooses Anna Horton as next principal"

  • Gloria March 11, 2016 (9:27 am)

    Welcome Ms. Horton! Looking forward to getting to know you.  And thank you, George.  It’s been a pleasure having you in our Holy Rosary community.

  • CMT March 11, 2016 (10:01 am)

    We feel so lucky to have Ms. Horton as our next great principal!

  • watertowerjoey March 11, 2016 (10:27 am)

    Congratulations and good luck.  We LOVED that school, and still do!  Our kids were very well prepped for high school.  Wonderful staff and incredible community.

    Thank you George for all you did.

  • HRS_Dad March 11, 2016 (11:14 am)

    My kids are having such a great experience at Holy Rosary!  The fact that they hired a new principal in March is representative of the overall character of the school: squared-away, on top of things, student-focused, and responsive to parents.  Meanwhile, we can’t even be sure if the public schools will have enough funding to prevent another work stoppage.  

  • WSea Mom March 11, 2016 (12:28 pm)

    Welcome Ms. Horton! Excited to have you as the next HRS principal! Thank you Mr. Hofbauer for your strong leadership!

  • happymom March 11, 2016 (12:38 pm)

    As a parent at Holy Rosary I couldn’t be more excited about this announcement!  She sounds like a great fit for our school and brings a tremendous about of experience and expertise.  And George will get a much-deserved retirement!  Great news all around.

  • 42ndMom March 11, 2016 (12:48 pm)

     It was great to meet her at the Parents Club Meeting last night.  I really enjoyed what she had to say.  Welcome to Ms. Horton!  Thank you George for all you have done.  You will be missed.

    HRS is such an amazing school with wonderful teachers.   We are blessed to have our children attend.

    • WSma March 11, 2016 (6:46 pm)

      What did she say? We’re considering the school for next year.

      • Holy Rosary March 12, 2016 (7:33 am)

        Hi WSma, 

        Thank you for considering Holy Rosary! Please contact the school at 937-7255 (http://holyrosaryws.org) to set up a visit and tour. We’d love to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you! 

  • AMM March 11, 2016 (12:54 pm)

    Welcome, Ms. Horton! We look forward to many wonderful years ahead as our children grow together. 

  • HR Mom March 11, 2016 (1:16 pm)

    Welcome Ms. Horton, I’m thrilled!  And best wishes Mr. Hofbauer for a job very well done.

  • HRS Father March 11, 2016 (2:54 pm)

    Welcome to Holy Rosary!  We are excited to have you as a member of the HRS family.

  • Steve Leahy March 11, 2016 (7:55 pm)

    Sounds like va great successor to George Hofbauer who has given tremendously to Catholic schools in our city: O’Dea HS and St. Joseph’s before Holy Rosary. Thank you, George.

  • B@TT March 12, 2016 (10:20 am)

    Our daughter goes to HRS – great school – and we are very pleased with this news.  Welcome Anna!

  • Barb B. March 12, 2016 (8:21 pm)

    Wonderful news!   Congratulations to both outgoing and incoming principals,  the staff, school,  parish,  and community.  We all benefit by great schools. 

  • Blair March 13, 2016 (2:43 pm)

    Thrilled that this total rockstar has been selected for HRS’s next principal. Her qualifications are impeccable, she has recent middle school experience, and has personal ties to the preschool and kindergarten students. So awesome. Win. Win. Win.  I am so looking forward to seeing the new heights that her leadership will take this already awesome school.

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