District 279 - Who We Are ~

District 279 Profile

About ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools

ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools is an award-winning school system that inspires and prepares all students with the confidence, courage, and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.

ISD 279 is the fifth-largest school district in the state, serving all or parts of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Hassan, Maple Grove, Osseo, and Plymouth.

The district serves more than 21,000 students, early childhood through grade 12, in 17 elementary schools (PreK-6), four junior highs (7-9), three senior highs (10-12), an area learning center, two early childhood centers, two special program sites, and an adult education/enrollment center. Community education classes serve lifelong learners from birth through senior citizens.

The district is known for excellence in areas ranging from arts and academics to sports and finance. For the second consecutive year, ISD 279 was named one of the nation’s 100 “Best Communities for Music Education.” All four magnet schools were honored by Magnet Schools of America as 2010 Schools of Excellence or Schools of Distinction. Rush Creek Elementary is an NCLB Blue Ribbon School. The district’s careful stewardship of taxpayer funds has been recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Association of School Business Officials International.

Staff members have earned local, statewide and national recognition for excellence and leadership in the field. Recent staff honors include national Google Certified Teacher, a recipient of the Innovation in Teaching Award by the Minnesota High Tech Association, Minnesota VFW Teacher of the Year, and TIES Exceptional Teachers. ISD 279 employs four of the 35 community educators nationwide that have achieved their profession’s highest recognition as National Community Education Association Fellows.

ISD 279 has what parents want in an excellent school district, according to SchoolMatch, a national school evaluation company.

Magnet schools allow students to deepen their learning in special focus 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. Birch Grove School for the Arts offers students opportunities to achieve through the integration of fine arts, dance, drama, and music.

At the secondary level, North View Junior High (6-9) and Park Center Senior High (10-12) offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, recognized worldwide for their challenging international education and rigorous assessment programs. Park Center also serves as a global studies magnet. Osseo Senior High features a health sciences specialty program.

Gifted Education programs serve the academic, social and emotional needs of gifted/talented learners. Every high school offers college-level courses through the Advanced Placement program.

Co-curricular offerings build character, stretch minds, and challenge the body. Students have been recognized as state champions in cheerleading and soccer; Section 5AA Academic Champions; state qualifiers in multiple sports; All-Conference musicians; and the Hennepin Theater Trust Spotlight Award.

Teachers use a variety of strategies, including working in professional learning communities, to increase student achievement. As continuous learners, teachers work with instructional coaches and technology integration specialists to help ensure that they are using successful practices in teaching and learning.

ISD 279 students reflect the global community, coming from homes where more than 80 dialects or languages other than English are spoken. Diverse demographics contribute to rich, real-life learning environments that prepare students for the 21st century workplace.

Preschool is offered at both early childhood centers and four elementary schools. All-day kindergarten options (some tuition-based) are available at every elementary site; before- and after-school child care (gr. K-6) are available at most elementary sites.

For more information, please call 763-391-7002 or email welisten@district279.org