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

Our prekindergarten programs feature hands-on learning opportunities 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? Also 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!

Application Process

If you wish to apply for a tuition-free prekindergarten school, 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.

2020-2021 Attendance Area School Application

2021-2022 Attendance Area School Enrollment Application

2020-2021 Open Enrollment Application

2021-2022 Open Enrollment Application 

prekindergarten opportunities
in Osseo Area Schools

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 September 1^st of the school year desired.  Children who turn age 5 between September 2^nd and November 1^st of the school year desired are eligible to apply for Early Entrance to Kindergarten – application deadline is April 15^th. Early Entrance to Kindergarten Application Guide

STEP 2: Prepare enrollment materials

• Schedule your child’s Early Childhood Development Screening (call 763-391-8777 or schedule online).
• Complete and return 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 December 31 to qualify for the first lottery.
  • If you’re applying for an in-district transfer, apply by January 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 Boulevard, Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Drop box in lobby – only available during non-business hours.
In person: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

STEP 3: Help your child prepare for school

• Watch for welcome event information in the spring.
• Spend the summer reading to your child.
• Watch for open house and transportation information mailed to your house in August.

Learn more about kindergarten in Osseo Area Schools

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 sciences) 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 Boulevard, Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Drop box in lobby – only available during non-business hours.
In person: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

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 here, then fill out the online application 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)

Note: As long as all schools are in the distance learning model districtwide, admission to the Distance Learning Academy is closed. If the district moves to either the hybrid or in-person learning model yet this school year, applications will be accepted/considered for Trimester 3 only as follows:

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 do not have a health accommodation and you wish to be put on the waiting list for potential admission in Trimester 3

• To be considered for the DLA starting Trimester 3, as space permits, submit your application to the Enrollment Center by January 29, 2021: enrollmentcenter@district279.org; 763-585-7350. 

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

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 Schools Closed to Open Enrollment 

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

• Rice Lake Elementary
• Maple Grove Senior High

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

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

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 pre-kindergarten). 
• Brooklyn Middle 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.
• Park Center Senior High offers the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, recognized worldwide for preparing students for success at university and in life beyond.

I'd like my child to attend the Osseo Area Learning Center

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.

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

Please 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.

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 Boulevard, Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Drop box in lobby – only available during non-business hours.
In person: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

• Consent to Release Private Data (Appendix E)
• Care & Treatment Information Form
• Foster Home Information Form
• Other Primary Care Provider Form
• Residency Affidavit Form
• Foreign Student (F-1 Visa) Enrollment Application