A Waldolf-inspired education program in Paonia is a step closer to reality.
The proposed North Fork School of Integrated Studies has enough students signed up to move forward.
Delta County Assistant Superintendent Kurt Clay says it will be a school within a school.
"We are looking at trying to combine that within Paonia Elementary School as a different program or different option for students in the North Fork Valley," said Clay.
Intent to enroll forms for the K-4 program were due earlier this month.
"Currently, we feel like there's 19 kids who are pretty set on it with that number potentially going up to 25 to 30," he said.
The Delta County School District is struggling with declining enrollment.
Clay said most of the families looking to register their kids for the new school are from outside of the system.
"As a district, we are paid per pupil with state reimbursements," he said. "And so obviously getting new students into the district helps."
Before the school can launch, it needs to get final approval from the county school board.
Clay said the board is set to vote on it this Thursday.
