Level 01
Primary
Pre-K (Ages 3–4) & Kindergarten
A vibrant space where young children's natural curiosity leads. Hands-on activities promote independence, sensory exploration, and foundational skills.
Where curiosity
leads the way.
North Fork Montessori @ Crawford is a free public school that nurtures independence, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning in the heart of Delta County.
51 Fir Ave, Crawford, CO · Serving families since 2000
Programs
Three levels.
Three levels.
One philosophy.
Each classroom is a mixed-age environment, thoughtfully prepared and tailored to a child's developmental stage.
Level 02
Lower Elementary
1st – 3rd Grade
Hands-on, student-driven learning. Mixed-age groups let younger students learn from older peers while older students reinforce knowledge by mentoring.
Level 03
Upper Elementary
4th – 6th Grade
Inquiry-based research, hands-on materials, and collaborative discussion. Critical thinking and real-world application sit at the core.
Also offered Part of the Montessori experience
SpanishArtMusicPEEnrichment
Our Values
What we stand for.
Three core values guide everything we do at NFM@C.
Value 01
Choice
Children learn best when given the freedom to choose their own activities and work at their own pace. This fosters intrinsic motivation, time management, and ownership of their education.
Value 02
Advocacy
We support students in building communication and social skills to positively express themselves. Our child-centered approach advocates for each student's right to learn in their own way.
Value 03
Self-Reliance
Students develop time management, problem-solving, and organization through both collaborative and independent work in a thoughtfully prepared environment.
The education of even a small child does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.
Awards & Recognition
25 years of recognition.
From state distinction to community awards — a sample of what families & educators have noticed.
2024
Colorado Performance School
Colorado Dept. of Education
2024
School of Distinction
Colorado Dept. of Education
2024
Best School — Delta County
Delta County Independent
2024
Colorado Shines Level 5 Preschool
Colorado Shines QRIS
2022
Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award
State of Colorado
2022
Best Elementary Schools
U.S. News & World Report
2024
Colorado Performance School
Colorado Dept. of Education
2024
School of Distinction
Colorado Dept. of Education
2024
Best School — Delta County
Delta County Independent
2024
Colorado Shines Level 5 Preschool
Colorado Shines QRIS
2022
Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award
State of Colorado
2022
Best Elementary Schools
U.S. News & World Report
Team
Meet our Team.
Experienced, certified educators dedicated to your child's growth.
Denise Regelman
Principal
Cortney West
Administrative Assistant
Monica Zarley
Primary Lead Teacher
Faith King
Primary Lead Teacher
Cami Bair
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Käthe Owens
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Esther Alsum
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Shannon Castle
Art & Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Is there a preschool program?
Yes, there is an award-winning preschool for children ages 3 and 4. Pre-school aged children are in the PRIMARY program with Kindergarteners.
Is there a tuition charge for preschool?
Yes, there is tuition for preschool (3 and 4 year olds), but the amount is based on a sliding scale and there are scholarship opportunities. Many of our students qualify for UPK (Universal Preschool) which covers full tuition. There are half day and full day preschool options available. Preschool students attend Monday through Thursday.
What are the school hours?
Classes begin at 8:15 AM and dismiss at 3:11 PM. Monday through Friday for Kindergarten through 6th grade. Preschool students (aged 3 and 4) have class Monday through Thursday.
Is there transportation available?
There are buses available to transport students from Hotchkiss, Crawford and Paonia. There are transfer busing options throughout Delta County.
How are classrooms organized?
3 levels of multi-aged classrooms: Primary (Pre-K & Kindergarten), Lower Elementary (1st–3rd), and Upper Elementary (4th–6th). 2 sections of each — 6 classrooms total. Each classroom has a Lead Teacher and an Assistant.
Do you serve breakfast and lunch?
Healthy breakfast and lunches are served free in Colorado through the Healthy School Meals for All program. We do our best to purchase local meat and produce from ranchers and farmers in the North Fork Valley.
Where do students come from?
Most reside in the North Fork Valley — Crawford, Paonia, and Hotchkiss. We also serve students from Delta and Cedaredge.
Is North Fork Montessori @ Crawford a public or private school?
North Fork Montessori @ Crawford is a free public school in the Delta County School District.
Enrollment Open
Curious if NFM@C is right for your family?
Schedule a tour, meet our teachers, and see a Montessori classroom in action.
Call (970) 921-4935
Or email Principal Denise Regelman:
denise.regelman@deltaschools.com
Quick Links
Resources.
Forms, registration, and links to our district and parent community.
Student Registration
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Enroll for the upcoming school year
NFM@C District Website
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North Fork Montessori @ Crawford Offical Website
Facebook Community
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Daily updates from classrooms
District Website
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Delta County School District 50J
For Parents
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Forms, calendars, and announcements
Job Opportunities
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Open positions at NFM@C