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Single District Online Schools and Programs
2026-27 Single District Online Program Information:
A Single District Online Program is an online program that serves only students who reside within a single school district. It is further defined in statute as a full-time education program authorized pursuant to Title 22 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. The program delivers a sequential course of synchronous or asynchronous instruction directed by a teacher and primarily delivered through online digital learning strategies and provides students with choice over time, place, path, and teacher-guided modality of learning.
A Single District Online Program does not include a supplemental online program. Accountability for each student enrolled in an online program is attributed to a designated school that houses the program.Any Single District Online Program that enrolls one hundred (100) or more students is classified as an Online School (see below), not an Online Program.
Districts planning to operate a Single District Online Program for the 2026–27 school year are asked to notify the Office of Online and Blended Learning by June 30, 2026, using the following link: 2026-27 Intent to Operate Single District Online Program. There is no application or approval process for Single District Online Programs.Districts that plan to operate a Single District Online Program in the 2026-27 school year are required to submit Authorizer Assurances form, local to the Office of Online and Blended Learning before September 20, 2026.
Link to submit Authorizer Assurances for Single District Online Programs
2026-27 Single District Online Schools Information:
A Single District Online School is defined in statute as a full-time school authorized pursuant to Title 22 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. The school delivers a sequential program of synchronous or asynchronous instruction directed by a teacher and primarily delivered through online digital learning strategies and provides students with choice over time, place, path, and teacher-guided modality of learning.
A Single District Online School has an assigned school code and operates with its own administrator, a separate budget, and a complete instructional program.
An Single District Online School is responsible for fulfilling all reporting requirements and is held to state and federally mandated accountability processes.
Districts planning to operate a Single District Online School for the 2026-27 school year must apply for a school code (link to request a school code) and operate with its own administrator, separate budget, and a complete instructional program.
Districts that plan to operate a Single District Online School in the 2026-27 school year are required to submit Authorizer Assurances form, local to the Office of Online and Blended Learning before September 20, 2026.
Link to submit Authorizer Assurances for Single District Online Schools:
Districts that plan to operate a Single District Online Program in the 2026-27 school year are required to submit Authorizer Assurances form, local to the Office of Online and Blended Learning before September 20, 2026.
Link to submit Authorizer Assurances for Single District Online Schools
Important Reminders for Both Single District Schools and Programs
- A single district online school or program may not enroll more than 10 out-of-district students. If a district wishes to serve more out-of-district students than 10, it should pursue certification as a Multi-district Online school.
- All single district online programs and schools must meet or exceed the Colorado State Board of Education’s Quality Standards for Online Schools and Programs.
- All new single district online programs and schools must submit Authorizer Assurances at least two weeks before the first day of the Student October Count window. Statute and rule require this verification of students’ attendance and participation. Failure to submit Authorizer Assurances on time may have implications for future pupil count audits, which may result in funding consequences for the district.
As part of the Authorizer Assurances form, the authorizer must submit local board-approved policies that establish and describe student enrollment, attendance, and participation in educational activities as well as documentation samples. The Assurances and attachments must be updated as the authorizer’s practices develop. The Office of Online and Blended Learning encourages all authorizers to work with their local boards to update their policies to address online learning through established schools and programs.
For more information about funded pupil count requirements for Online Schools and Programs, refer to the Student October Count Audit Resource Guide on CDE's School Auditing webpage.
For additional information or questions, please reach out to Renee Martinez(martinez_r@cde.state.co.us).