Education

The Delta County School District has taken a leadership role in the renovation and restructuring of the public school system in Colorado. Over 8,000 professionals from around the world have come to visit the unique programs that have been implemented from early childhood through adult learning.

Public school enrollment (grades K-12) experienced an overall increase of 9.2% between 1998 and 2004. The senionr graduating rate for the class of 2004-05 was 85.1% (compared to the State average of 82%). Seventy-four percent of the senionrs selected some form of continuing education beyond high school. (62% selected a four-year college, 12% selected a technical/associate program, and 7% selected a military career).

Showing their commitment to the education of Delta County's children, in November 2002, the citizens approved a $25.5 million dollar bond issue to upgrade and improve the school facilities. The majority of the upgrades were completed as of August 2004, and a new $5.5 million dollar elementary school was completed in December, 2007.

has been an active participant in the adult education of Delta County residents since 1977. The college has created quality technical training programs geared toward both the employer and the student. Whether it is employee retraining or new skills training, many of the courses may be taken in a self-paced format where students can begin courses anytime during the semester.

The college’s customized on-site job skill training bring the courses to the company. Their goal is to provide high quality education and training that effectively supports business and industry, and enhances the economic development of the region. Students are given hands-on experience in state-of-the-art technology (on campus or on-site), as well as exposure to various aspects of business in their career field. Current courses include: Agricultural and Industrial Mechanics, Business Office Administration, Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Engineering Design/Drafting Technology, Farm & Ranch Business Management, and Practical Nursing.

is located within 40 minutes of Delta County, and is the only 4-year college on the Western Slope. Mesa State College is also the only baccalaureate degree-granting institution that combines bachelor degree programs and vocational/technical degree programs on the same campus. Mesa State College offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and provides additional graduate degree opportunities through consortium arrangements with other Colorado colleges.

Additionally, Mesa State College also has a full-service campus located in Montrose, 20 miles south of Delta County. The Montrose campus offers a wide variety of classes through its community education component. Subjects include computer applications, the arts, foreign languages, business, medical office skills, and fitness.

Delta County School District 50J is made up of 4 elementary schools, 2 K-8 schools, 2 middle schools, 1 junior high school, 4 high schools, 6 vision schools, 1 alternative school, 1 preschool, and 1 vocational college.

(besides Health Sciences) are now affiliated with Mesa State College under the Western State Community College campus. This campus is responsible for vocational education and developmental (remedial education) and is beginning to bring over some of the course work for the academic two year programs (Associate of Arts; Associate of Science) from the main campus. The curriculum for the academic programs (and all of the health science programs) will remain in the purview of the 4-year division of Mesa State College, regardless of course location.

The Home and Community Program connects young people in the community with adults and mentors to help with their education. Learners develop an individualized learning plan in consensus with their parents and their Resource Consultant, who is trained and paid by the program. The student has access to multiple schools, home study, mentors, tutors, diverse curricula, public funds, networking sources, and support programs. There is no actual building, but instead learning happens at peoples homes, in the library, on field trips, in art studios, at other schools... in essence, the whole community is involved in the young person’s education.

The Learning Cooperative (TLC) is an academically challenging school in which students are given a great deal of responsibility for their own education. TLC is a multi-age, constructivist school in which students must be willing to teach and be taught by fellow students and also be able to work cooperatively with a variety of different personalities and ages.

The North Fork Community Montessori School (NFCMS) is a public school open to all students in Delta County. NFCMS serves students ages 3 to 12. While K-6 grades are publicly funded, the preschool is tuition based. NFCMS emphasizes academic achievement, as well as personal development, by striving to inspire responsibility and respect for self, community and environment. Embracing the talents of Delta County’s greater community, classes are offered in art, Spanish, music, community service and gardening.

Lamborn Valley School is an independent non-profit, K-12 school on a 120 acre organic farm. Students choose from a variety of academic and experiential courses. Classes are small and each student is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace. Home study can be combined with the courses taught at school and with field trips to near and far places, for an interesting and fun educational experience. The students are encouraged to take more and more responsibility for directing their own lives and being of service to others. The school offers unique opportunities in the arts: painting, sculpture, drama, dance, chorus and orchestra, as well as individual violin, viola, cello, bass and piano lessons.

The focus of North Fork Community School (NFCS) is on learner-centered education for students aged 12 to 18. Cooperation, self-motivation and self-esteem are emphasized in a caring, nurturing environment. Learners are encouraged to develop their own learning styles and to engage in guided independent study. An education involving maximum choice for the student keeps interest and excitement in the learning process high, instilling a sense of self-worth and preparing young people for a life-long adventure in learning.

For further information, please call any of the three office numbers below:
North Fork Office: 970-527-8766; Delta: Office 970-874-8226; Surface Creek: 970-856-6193, or visit the following Delta Website for information about all three offices: