Enrollment Services

teacher jeanette lepore and pre-k students

Find Your Path in Osseo Area Schools

Your child’s hopes and dreams mean the world to you. They mean the world to us, too, which is why our mission is all about your child. We exist to help children achieve their dreams, whatever they may be.

From your child’s first early childhood experience until high school graduation, Osseo Area Schools offers exceptional opportunities for your child to thrive; multiple forms of support for your child’s educational and life journey; and partnerships that open doors to amazing learning.

We look forward to welcoming your child to Osseo Area Schools!

Get Started

Interested in kindergarten?

Visit our first ever virtual Kindergarten Information Fair!

Main Contact

Enrollment Center
7051 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
EnrollmentCenter@district279.org
763-585-7350
763-585-7368 (fax)

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

Find my School

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Enroll Today

Thank you for your interest in Osseo Area Schools! In this section, you'll find everything you need to enroll into Osseo Area Schools.

Students who live in the district are assigned to a neighborhood school that serves their home address. Use our online tool to find your attendance area school.

Enrollment materials can be submitted in any of the following ways:

Email: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org
Fax: 763-585-7368
U.S. mail: Osseo Enrollment Center, 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
In person: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lobby drop box: only available during non-business hours

For assistance, please call 763-585-7350 during regular office hours (7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to speak with an Enrollment Center staff member.

Prekindergarten Enrollment

Our prekindergarten programs set children up for success in kindergarten while offering choices for busy families.

Prekindergarten opportunities feature hands-on learning and thoughtful, developmentally appropriate curriculum that will prepare your child for success in kindergarten and beyond. Small class sizes mean your child will receive personal attention from our highly trained and caring teaching staff.

Is your child under four years old? Consider our outstanding Early Childhood offerings.

Need help deciding which prekindergarten program is right for you? Give us a call at 763-391-8777. We're happy to assist!

view our pre-k opportunities

State-Funded Free Prekindergarten

*Must be at least 4 years old by September 1

Children receive personal attention from highly trained and caring staff in small class sizes led by a licensed teacher and a paraprofessional. This program is offered as a half-day, every day option at the following elementary schools: Birch Grove, Crest View, Edinbrook, Fair Oaks, Garden City, Palmer Lake, Park Brook and Zanewood STEAM. An application is required.

Application Process

If you wish to apply for a tuition-free prekindergarten school, please follow these steps:

Determine your attendance area school by using the school finder.
If you are applying for your attendance area school, fill out the attendance area application.
If you are applying for a school that is not your attendance area school, fill out the open enrollment application.
Schedule your child’s Early Childhood screening (call 763-391-8777 or schedule online).

2020-2021 Attendance Area School Application

2021-2022 Attendance Area School Enrollment Application

2020-2021 Open Enrollment Application

2021-2022 Open Enrollment Application

Fee-Based Prekindergarten

*For children ages 3 to 5

Fee-based prekindergarten programs provide play-based learning in the areas of literacy (talking, listening, writing), math, science, motor development and movement, creative arts, and more. These Parent Aware 4 Star-rated programs are available at some following elementary schools.

Four Star Express: Pre-K + Child Care

*Must be at least 4 years old

Four Star Express offers prekindergarten combined with child care. The program is open Monday through Friday and most non-school days, with students arriving as early as 6:30 a.m. and leaving as late as 6 p.m. The program is available at some elementary schools.

Kindergarten Enrollment

We know kindergarten is a momentous step in your child’s life. That’s why we offer a student-centered program taught by experienced staff who love children and are dedicated to helping your child succeed in school. In our kindergarten classes, your child will develop academic, creative problem solving, and social skills that will prepare them to excel in first grade.

The Kindergarten Enrollment Process

STEP 1: Learn about your options

The Kindergarten Information Fair is going virtual this year! Join us online to learn more about kindergarten in Osseo Area Schools. Students will love participating in interactive activities with their future teachers, and families will leave confident about the application process and important deadlines.

Visit the Kindergarten Information Fair

Explore our magnet school options at Birch Grove School for the Arts, Weaver Lake: A Science, Math and Technology School and Zanewood Community School: A Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math School
To qualify for enrollment into Kindergarten your child must turn 5 on or by Sept. 1 of the school year desired. Children who turn age 5 between Sept. 2 and Nov. 1 of the school year desired are eligible to apply for Early Entrance to Kindergarten (this application deadline is April 15). View the Early Entrance to Kindergarten Application Guide

STEP 2: Prepare enrollment materials

Schedule your child’s Early Childhood screening (call 763-391-8777 or schedule online).
Complete and return the enrollment packet and required checklist documents (mailed in late November to all households in our database) to the Enrollment Center. If you did not receive an enrollment packet, please call 763-391-7086 or email beckerg@district279.org.
- If you’re applying to a magnet school, be sure to apply by Dec. 31 to qualify for the first lottery.
- If you’re applying for an in-district transfer, apply by Jan. 15 to qualify for the first lottery.
Required documents needed when enrolling
- Proofs of Residency (two forms)
- Photo ID of Parent/legal guardian
- Birth Certificate or Passport
- Updated child’s required immunizations

Submit the enrollment forms in one of the following ways:

Email: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org
Fax: 763-585-7368
U.S. mail: Osseo Enrollment Center, 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
In person: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lobby drop box: only available during non-business hours

STEP 3: Help your child prepare for school

Watch for welcome event information in the spring.
Spend the summer reading to your child.
Review our goals for children prior to kindergarten.
Watch for open house and transportation information mailed to your house in August.

2020-2021 Kindergarten Enrollment Packet

2021-2022 Kindergarten Enrollment Packet

Learn more about kindergarten
in Osseo Area Schools

Grades 1-12 Enrollment

We look forward to welcoming your child to Osseo Area Schools!

Prepare enrollment materials and gather required documents.

Grades 1-12 Enrollment Forms:
- 2020-21 school year
- 2021-22 school year

Required documents needed when enrolling
- Proofs of residency (two forms)
- Photo ID of parent/legal guardian
- Updated child’s required immunizations

The Enrollment Process

If your student would like to go to a school other than their home attendance area school:

If you live outside district boundaries, apply for open enrollment.
If you live in the district but wish to apply for an in-district transfer to a school other than the one assigned to your home, apply for in-district transfer.
Interested in a school with a thematic (arts, STEM, STEAM, International Baccalaureate, health science) focus? Learn about our magnet schools and how to apply.

Submit the enrollment forms in one of the following ways:

Email: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org
Fax: 763-585-7368
U.S. mail: Osseo Enrollment Center, 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
In person: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lobby drop box: only available during non-business hours

2020-2021 Enrollment Packet- Standard

2021-2022 Enrollment Packet- Standard

Magnet School Enrollment

Magnet schools allow students to deepen their learning in special focus areas.

At Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts, fine arts, dance, drama, and music are woven into all core subject areas.
At Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math & Technology School, students discover the scientists in themselves through inquiry-based, hands-on classroom science and math activities, using current technology and equipment for collecting and analyzing data.
At Zanewood Community School: A Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math School, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) concepts are woven throughout the entire curriculum at every grade level (including prekindergarten).
Brooklyn Middle STEAM School, students are given authentic, real-world experiences with STEAM coursework while practicing with scientists, engineers, mathematicians, musicians, artists and technical professionals.
Osseo Senior High students can explore and prepare for successful health care careers via the Health Science Magnet Program.
Park Center Senior High offers the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, recognized worldwide for preparing students for success at university and in life beyond.

NWSISD Magnet Lottery and Application

2020-2021 Non-member District Transfer Application

2021-2022 Non-member District Transfer Application

Alternative High School Program

Osseo Area Learning Center (OALC) serves students in grades 9-12 and offers an alternative high school program for those whose learning needs are better met in a non-traditional high school setting. OALC enrolls students in grades 9-12 through an application process. Students who currently attend a District 279 high school may also request an application or more information from their school's counseling office.

Online Learning Opportunities

279 Online (2021-2022 school year)

District 279 is excited to announce a brand new 100% virtual learning K-12 school, 279 Online! 279 Online will be an ongoing school choice option for students in our district who thrive in 100% remote learning. Learn more and apply online by Jan. 15, 2021 for priority consideration. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be considered as received based on availability.

Transferring into the Distance Learning Academy (2020-2021 school year only)

If you have a health accommodation or are enrolling as a new (not returning) student

Submit your application to the Enrollment Center: enrollmentcenter@district279.org; 763-585-7350.
Students who are new to the district or seeking a health accommodation will be admitted to the DLA as space permits.

If you are already enrolled in Osseo Area Schools and do not have a health accommodation

The application to be considered for admission to DLA for Trimester III has passed.

If you have general (non-enrollment-related) questions about the Distance Learning Academy, please email dla@district279.org or call 763-391-8670.

Open Enrollment (Non-Resident)

If you live outside of Osseo Area Schools but would like your child to attend school in the district, you will need to apply for Non-Resident Open Enrollment.

2020-2021 Open Enrollment Application

2021-2022 Open Enrollment Application

Schools Currently Closed to Open Enrollment

Osseo Area Schools is not approving in-district transfers or open enrollment applications at three schools due to capacity concerns. However, families are still welcome to submit applications to be placed on a waitlist. These schools are:

Fernbrook Elementary
Rice Lake Elementary
Maple Grove Senior High

In-District Transfers (Resident)

Before you begin the application process, please verify your student’s resident school district and assigned attendance area school. Students who wish to attend Osseo Area Learning Center (OALC) should contact that school directly.

If you live in District 279 and you would like your child to attend a school other than their assigned attendance area school, you must complete the Resident Transfer Application.

2020-2021 In-District Transfer Application

2021-2022 In-District Transfer Application

Change of Address

Please complete the necessary forms for each student who has had a change of address.

Required Documents Needed

Change of address enrollment packet
Proofs of residency (two forms)
Photo ID of parent/legal guardian

Important Note

Students who are already enrolled can stay at their current school (transportation is available to eligible students per School Board Policy 707).
If you wish to change schools, please consult with a staff member at the Enrollment Center.
A parent/legal guardian signature is required on all forms.

How to Submit Enrollment Forms

Email: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org
Fax: 763-585-7368
U.S. mail: Osseo Enrollment Center, 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
In person: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lobby drop box: only available during non-business hours

2020-21 Enrollment Packet – Change of Address

2021-22 Enrollment Packet – Change of Address

Support Documents & Resources

Northwest Immunization Clinic

The clinic located at the Enrollment Center offers free immunizations to eligible students. Minnesota is a “No Shots, No School” state; in order to enroll, students must be up-to-date on required immunizations. Parents may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or a non-medical exemption signed by a parent/guardian and notarized.

The clinic also provides assistance with accessing local health care, health insurance, employment, and other community resources. The nurse can also provide baby shots and shots for adults needing to obtain a green card.

The Northwest Immunization Clinic is a program of the Northwest Hennepin Family Service Collaborative in partnership with Osseo Area Schools.

To schedule an appointment please call 763-585-7361.

Family Advocate

The Family Advocate at the Osseo Area Schools Enrollment Center provides resources, referrals, information and support to individuals and families living in the northwest Hennepin suburban area and/or District 279.

The advocate assists individuals and families with basic needs, such as:

Food/clothing/housing
Financial help
Transportation
Family support
Child care assistance
Medical, mental health and dental care
Health insurance
Collaboration with Hennepin County and social service providers
Other community resources

To speak with our Family Advocate, please call 763-585-7378.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act provides homeless and highly mobile students with certain rights so they have access to opportunities that will help them meet the same high academic standards expected of all students in our district.

Learn more

English Learner (EL) Program

The goal of English Learner (EL) instruction is to support English learners in achieving the English language proficiency needed to succeed academically and to realize personal, social, and career goals. EL teachers work in collaboration with both general education and specialist teachers to design a comprehensive instructional program for each student.