French Immersion
The Program
- French Immersion is a program designed to offer students opportunities to acquire a high level of proficiency in French while maintaining and developing English language skills.
- French is the only language of instruction from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2.
- Immersion students begin English instruction in Grade 3 and study in both languages until high school graduation.
- The French Immersion and English programs follow the same expectations in the Ontario Curriculum ( www.edu.gov.on.ca).
- The difference between the two programs is the language of instruction.
- A certificate of French Immersion studies is awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Learning French promotes:
- a deeper understanding of various languages and cultures;
- enhanced creativity and problem solving ability;
- a facility for learning other languages;
- career opportunities in areas such as business, diplomacy, research, teaching, travel, translation, government, the Canadian Armed Forces;
- enriched travel experiences in Canada and abroad.
If students hear it, they can say it. If students can say it, they can read it. And if students can read it, they can write it.
– The Ontario Curriculum: French As A Second Language (2013)
Admission
Effective September 1, 2017, Junior Kindergarten is the only entry point for new French Immersion students into the FI program in the Upper Grand District School Board. Additionally, each UGDSB school that offers FI at the JK level has a cap on the number of students admitted to FI. Entry into FI from other jurisdictions is possible, but not guaranteed, if your child has previous FI experience. Parents and guardians must check with their home school for more detail. For more information on the UGDSB’s French Immersion Application and Selection Process, visit our French Immersion Application Process page.
Application
French Immersion Kindergarten application coincides with the regular English Kindergarten registration.
For more information on the UGDSB’s French Immersion Application and Selection Process, visit the board’s website.
DELF
DELF scholaire is a diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education in recognition of French-language studies. These diplomas are recognized around the world. Click here for more information about the DELF program.