Magnet Schools - About

Magnet schools offer specialized curricular themes that are attractive options for students and families. Through District 279 magnet schools, students can discover the scientist within them; learn through their passion for the arts; and expand their horizons through an internationally recognized global education. Magnet schools also provide opportunities to integrate our learning environments.

Magnet schools are open to students living in any of the eight member districts of the Northwest Suburban Integration School District. Transportation is available to eligible students, in accordance with district guidelines. 

Magnet school themes
Three magnet school themes are available in the Osseo Area Schools:

Visual and Performing Arts
Our arts magnet, Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts, provides a strong academic core with opportunities for students to create at many levels.  Teaching through the arts helps students experience concepts rather than merely discussing or reading about them. The study of the arts has been linked to students’ increased critical and creative thinking skills, self-esteem, willingness to take risks and ability to work with others.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math & Technology School provides an environment where students, teachers and families find the scientists in themselves through simulation, exploration, and discovery. Weaver Lake students use advanced technologies to make observations, draw conclusions, and report results. Weaver Lake staff works with the Science Museum of Minnesota to offer quality instruction. According to a federal magnet school evaluator, “[Weaver Lake] students are being exposed to exceptional projects that are challenging and enlightening. They are getting great preparation in both math and science.”

International Baccalaureate (IB)
Osseo Area Schools hosts two International Baccalaureate programs:

• North View Junior High: An IB World School offers the IB Middle Years Programme;
• Park Center Senior High: An IB World School offers the final year of the IB Middle Years Programme (gr. 10) and the full IB Diploma Programme (gr. 11-12).

International Baccalaureate schools infuse a core curriculum with a world focus that helps young people understand their role as responsible world citizens. Emphasis is on changing technology, world languages, and cultures. Students are encouraged to inquire, think, communicate, take risks, achieve, be principled, caring, open-minded, well-balanced and reflective. The International Baccalaureate program has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

Who can attend? How can I apply?
Enrollment in the magnet schools is open to all students living within the eight-member school districts of Osseo, Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo, Elk River, Fridley, Mounds View, and Rockford.

Neighborhoods are redefined when we talk about magnet schools. A magnet school neighborhood includes students from other communities who have the same interests. What you will learn and how you will learn it frames the neighborhood in which you choose to learn and grow. It may be filled with future artists or dancers, scientists or technicians, diplomats or Rhodes Scholars.

There are no academic or other criteria for student selection. All students who apply will be placed if there are seats available. A lottery will determine placement if more students apply than seats available.

For more information about enrolling in a magnet school, visit our Enrollment Center Web site; call 763-585-7350; or visit the Northwest Suburban Integration School District.

We invite you to learn more about our excellent magnet schools by attending events that showcase our programs, such as tours, open houses and other events. We look forward to showing you our schools!

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