Details and answers to FAQ on 279Online being reconfigured to a middle and high school | article - 279Online Skip To Main Content

Details and answers to FAQ on 279Online being reconfigured to a middle and high school

Details and answers to FAQ on 279Online being reconfigured to a middle and high school

After much consideration, our district leadership team has made the difficult decision to close the elementary portion of 279Online at the end of the school year. This means students kindergarten through grade four will need to choose another school option for their elementary education.  

This decision was made for a variety of reasons, most notably the decline in student enrollment at the elementary level over multiple years, and the operational and financial impacts associated with the decline. 

279Online students kindergarten through grade four most certainly have the opportunity to choose another Osseo Area Schools elementary school to continue their elementary learning fall 2025 and onward. Of course they're also welcome to rejoin the school in sixth grade if they prefer.  

This is understandably a significant change for our 279Online families and staff. Our team is fully committed to supporting all those impacted. We want to make sure 279Online families and staff feel connected and cared for during this transition. 

 

Answers to frequently asked questions.

These will continue to be updated. Last edit 2/25/2025

When will 279Online’s elementary portion of the school conclude?

June 2025. This means 279Online’s elementary students and staff will transition to new schools at the start of the 2025-26 school year. 

What are the elementary school options within Osseo Area Schools?

279Online elementary families that live within the district 

279Online elementary families that live outside of the district 

  • Can choose an elementary school within the district that has capacity (Fernbrook closed). Connect with the Enrollment Center if you’d like to move forward: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org or 763-585-7350.
  • Can choose to enter the March 7 lottery for a district magnet school (Birch Grove and Zanewood open, Weaver Lake closed). Connect with the Enrollment Center if you’d like to move forward: EnrollmentCenter@district279.org or 763-585-7350.

Where can families learn more about district elementary schools?

​​Families can learn more about the district schools by going to district279.org and choosing a specified school(s). In the middle area of each school website, is a learn more button which takes visitors to a why choose the school page, and a schedule school tour button. The latter is really the best way for families to get an in-depth glimpse into what a school might be like. 

What has the timeline been with regard to the reconfiguration?

A review of the school has been going on since it opened in 2021. The school board requested further review last August. Our leadership team has been doing an even more in-depth look ever since, in partnership with 279Online’s leadership team.

Is it true the other options besides an elementary reconfiguration were considered?

Yes. Although multiple efforts were made to try and sustain the elementary portion of the school, it came to a point that that was no longer feasible. District leadership, in partnership with 279Online’s leadership team, then looked at multiple ways to adjust the elementary portion of the school but each were determined to be unviable as they could not function in our system. 

What was troubling with the funding?

279Online has been deficit spending since the 2022-23 school year. That is up to $1.2 million this school year. It was not feasible to extend another year without needed dollars. 

What sort of marketing has been done to try and increase student enrollment?

Part of our work has included a strong emphasis on marketing in order to boost student enrollment at 279Online. In the last aggressive campaign, there was quite an increase in interest but the majority of people didn’t take the next step to enroll their student. The following is a sampling of some of the tactics used: 

  • 279Online website
  • Social media paid ads
  • Google Ad
  • Online banner ads
  • Billboards
  • Billboard trucks
  • Spotlight article in community newsletter
  • Call-outs in Twin Cities magazine ads, community event ads and local grocery store digital ads

Why is this being considered a school reconfiguration and not a closing?

Per Minnesota statute, this change with 279Online is not considered a school closing. Additionally, our school district’s policies are aligned with the statute.

Why didn’t the 279Online community have a say in this decision?

Community input is always important to our team. Please don’t ever hesitate to share your questions and/or concerns with us. Even though tough decisions like these are often made by leadership, we want to assure you – our staff, families and community members – that we’re here to do all we can to support you as you move forward.

Are there any concerns for the middle and high school portion of the school?

Even though there has been a decline in student enrollment at the middle and high school level, it hasn't been as significant as the elementary level. Plans are also being made to expand middle and high school offerings over the next couple of years. Some of that will include both synchronous and asynchronous learning options, and a broader range of elective courses. The specifics of these details are still being worked out. More information will be shared during course registrations in the months ahead. All in all, this means the middle and high school portion of the school will continue for the foreseeable future, and hopefully with more students joining with the breadth of options.

What will happen to 279Online staff?

Details were shared with staff on Feb. 3. Updates will continue to be shared with staff during this transition. 

Where should thoughts or questions be directed? 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time via bissonr@district279org or 763-391-8682.

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