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, Maple Grove, Osseo, Plymouth, and Rogers.

The district serves approximately 20,000 students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, in 17 elementary schools (PreK-5), four middle schools (6-8), three senior highs (9-12), 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 academics and arts to sports and finance.

• ISD 279 is the only Minnesota school district honored as one of the nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” every year since 2009.
• Every year since 2015, Maple Grove Senior High has been named one of the nation's Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
• Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math and Technology School was named one of the nation's Top Three Elementary STEM schools in 2015.
• Elm Creek Elementary was named a Minnesota School of Excellence in 2017; Woodland Elementary received the same honor in 2011. 
• Garden City Elementary and Park Brook Elementary were named Minnesota Department of Education Celebration Schools (2013).
• Magnet schools regularly earn state and national recognition as Schools of Excellence or Schools of Distinction.
• The district’s careful stewardship of taxpayer funds is recognized annually by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Association of School Business Officials International.

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 Elementary 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 Middle School and Park Center Senior High offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, recognized worldwide for their challenging international education and rigorous assessment programs. Brooklyn Middle School offers a full-school STEAM (STEM plus Arts) program. Osseo Senior High offers a full health science magnet program, including courses that continue the STEM emphasis.

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 various sports; Minnesota State High School League Academic Excellence award winners; state qualifiers in multiple sports; All-Conference musicians; and the Hennepin Theater Trust SpotLight Award.

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 most elementary schools. Free all-day kindergarten is available at all elementary sites. High quality before- and after-school care (Kidstop) is available to all elementary students.