French Immersion Program

The French Immersion (FI) Program

FI is a program designed to offer students opportunities to acquire a high level of proficiency in French, while maintaining and developing English language skills and knowledge across a variety of subject areas. French is the only language of instruction from JK to Grade 2. FI students begin English instruction in Grade 3 and study in both languages until high school graduation.

A certificate of French Immersion studies is awarded upon successful completion of the program. The FI and English programs follow the same expectations in the Ontario Curriculum (www.edu.gov.on.ca). 

Please note that each UGDSB elementary school that offers FI has a Junior Kindergarten enrolment cap as of September 2017. JK is the only entry point for French Immersion in the Upper Grand.  Click here for more information on the French Immersion program. To learn more about the FI cap, entry point and random selection process, visit www.ugdsb.ca/jkfi.

Through learning a second language, students can:

  • strengthen their first-language skills
  • enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities
  • increase their understanding of other cultures
  • have a distinct advantage in a number of careers, both in Canada and internationally

The program teaches students to listen, speak, read, and write in French through real world language opportunities, the use of language learning strategies, and goal setting / reflection

French Instructional Minutes in French Immersion Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t speak French?

It is not necessary for you to speak French for your child to be successful in the FI program. Our French programs are designed for children of non-French speaking parents.

How can I help my child in this program?

Parents can play an important role in ensuring their child’s success by:

  • Showing an interest in their child’s progress
  • Encouraging their child’s efforts 
  • Reading to their child regularly in English and/or their first language • Listening to the child read aloud in English and French
  • Finding ways to expose their child to French outside of school time, e.g. Borrowing French books from the public library, listening to music by French artists, watching some French TV programs, or visiting French communities
  • Communicating your questions, suggestions and concerns with your child’s teacher 

What if English is not our first language?

Evidence indicates that English Language Learners (ELL) enrolled in FI perform as well as their Anglophone counterparts. ELL students who come to FI having already developed literacy in their home language often perform even better than Anglophone students (Canadian Council on Learning, 2007).

What if my child experiences difficulties in the FI program?

Contact your child’s teacher for suggestions. Enrichment and remedial assistance may be provided.

What resources are available to me and my child?

  • Canadian Parents for French (cpf.ca)
  • FSL Homework Toolbox (www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca) 
  • TFO (www.tfo.org/en)