ISD 279 - Osseo Area Schools Community Education

Building a foundation for lifelong learning

A half-day preschool program that meets three days a week for children who turn three on or before Sept. 1, 2024, and not yet eligible for kindergarten are able to register for this class.

• Students are placed through a random lottery giving everyone an equal chance at their first choice. The lottery randomly places students in a class; following the lottery, registration is based on space available.
• The following documents are required to complete registration.
  • Proof of Birth: A copy of birth certificate, I-94 or passport.
  • Proof of Income: Provide proof of household annual adjusted gross income for 2023. Two current pay stubs, 2023 W-2 form or 2023 Federal Tax form. Scholarship applications may require a different proof of income. Proof of income is not required if full tuition is paid.
  • Immunization Record: Provide the most up-to-date record. You may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or provide a notarized, signed conscientious objection form.

  Documents can be emailed to ecfe@district279.org, faxed to 763-391-8762 or can be dropped off at either Arbor View or Willow Lane Early Childhood Centers. If the required documents are not received within two weeks of registration, enrollment will be canceled.

• Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale considering household income and family size (see below). If the income guidelines and tuition rate would prevent you from registering your child, call 763-391-8777 to discuss financial assistance.
• Scholarship opportunities are available to reduce tuition for qualifying income and family size.


If you have any questions or if you'd like more information about our preschool program. We're here to assist you. You can reach us at 763-391-8777 or ecfe@district279.org.





Nature Preschool class location:

• Arbor View Early Childhood Center - Nature Play Area


Your child is immersed in a unique preschool experience, where education comes alive in nature. The Arbor View Nature Play Area is designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and provide a hands-on connection with the environment. During class time, you can expect your child to engage in a variety of activities. Their schedule may include:

• Group Time: Involving songs, stories, games, and movement activities to encourage social interaction and group participation.
• Nature Play Time: Providing physical activities to support gross motor skills development. 
• Discovery Time: Focused on learning through play, incorporating various activities such as art, literacy, math, dramatic play, science, sensory exploration, and more.
• Benefits of Nature Play:  
  • Nature and Academic Outcomes
  • Play in Nature: Fun, Safe Outdoor Activities for Children (pathways.org)
• Weather Guidelines: Weather Guidelines

This well-rounded approach fosters the development of the whole child, not only their cognitive skills but also social, emotional, and physical aspects. 

Please note: When registering you will be asked for the name of the adult attending with the child, this is an automatic question related to our ECFE classes. Children attend Preschool and PreK classes without an adult; this question may be skipped.