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Information for School Districts

Thank you for working with us to offer online learning options through the Black Hills Online Learning Community (BHOLC). We’re excited to collaborate on this innovative educational opportunity.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you and the families in your district understand and navigate the enrollment and registration process.

Welcome, School Partners!

Thank you for working with us to offer online learning options. We’re excited to collaborate on this innovative educational opportunity!

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you and the families in your district understand and navigate the enrollment and registration process.

  • Online Application Opens: Families may begin the online application process in late April by visiting www.bholc.org and clicking the enrollment link on the homepage.
     Note: After the initial enrollment window, new applications will only be accessible at the request of the school district. 
  • BHOLC Contact: After submitting the application, families will be contacted by the BHOLC Enrollment Coordinator.
  • School District Partner Status:
    • Partner Districts with an MOU: Families may proceed with the full registration and approval process with the district.
    • Non-Partner Districts without an MOU: Families will be informed and provided with a list of districts that do partner with BHOLC.
      • Families are encouraged to stay in their home district when possible.
      • If open enrollment is pursued, it should be with a geographically nearby district.(Link to participating school districts)
    • Once a family decides to continue, they will be directed to follow the steps below.
  • Learning Agreement: Families will receive an email with instructions to print and complete the BHOLC Learning Agreement. They must submit the completed form to their local school for approval.
  • An MOU is required for full-time students with the annual enrollment fee to districts distributed over nine months. Districts can enroll students without an MOU. Enrollment fee will be due at time of enrollment.
  • School Review: The school administrator (and any necessary team members) will review the Learning Agreement and determine if the student is a good fit for online learning. A screening process is recommended.
  • Student Registration via South Dakota Center for Virtual Education (SDCVE):
    • The SDCVE manager at the school registers the student at: https://sdcve.k12.sd.us
    • Use your school’s login credentials.  Don’t have login info? Contact SDCVE for access.
  • Course Planning (Grades 9–12 Only): A local school counselor should work with the student to develop a four-year plan for graduation, including courses that meet local and personal goals.
  • Approval Notification: Once registered through SDCVE:
    • BHOLC receives an email about the pending registration.
    • The BHOLC enrollment coordinator approves the registration.
    • The school receives a confirmation email.
  • Infinite Campus Entry: The student should be entered into Infinite Campus, coded appropriately to reflect online course participation.
  • Family Follow-Up: BHOLC staff will contact the family to begin onboarding.
  • Mandatory Orientation: All families must complete orientation to understand program expectations.
    • Grades K–5 (K12 Platform): Assigned an “Introduction to Online Learning” course.
    • Grades 6–12: Assigned an online orientation course.
  • Teacher and Mentor Support:
    • Grades K–5 (K12):
      Students have a grade-level online teacher who communicates regularly with the Learning Coach (parent/guardian).
    • Grades 6–12 (Edmentum):
      Students are supported by:
      • A content-based online teacher
      • A BHOLC provided Mentor for engagement support
      • A school assigned E-Mentor to follow and monitor student progress.  The E-Mentor has an Edmentum account to track student progress and participation weekly.

Participating Districts

Interested in participating but don’t see your district? Contact us here.