THE YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OFFERS AN OPTIONAL FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM AT VARIOUS SCHOOLS ACROSS OUR DISTRICT.
About the Program
The French Immersion program begins in grade 1 and continues through grade 12. Students acquire proficiency in French by studying other subject areas in the French language. In grades 1-3, 85% of instructional time is spent in French, while in grades 4-8, instructional time in French is 50%. It is important to note that students in the French Immersion program do not begin formal instruction in English until grade 4. Upon completion of the elementary French Immersion program, students are eligible to enroll in the secondary French Immersion program and work towards acquiring 10 French Immersion credits. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of Secondary school for students who graduate from the program.
The French Immersion program is for ALL students and has many cognitive and social benefits. Students become effective communicators and will be able to interact with growing confidence in French, one of Canada’s official languages, while developing the knowledge, skills and perspectives they need to participate fully as Canadian and global citizens.
In addition, all grade 12 French Immersion students (in addition to Core French students) are eligible to participate in the DELF language proficiency exams that are offered by the YCDSB.
For more information on the benefits of bilingualism and for ways to support your child in the French Immersion program please visit the Canadian Parents for French website.
Elementary French Immersion Program
The French Immersion program is designed to provide students with increased exposure to the French language. Please refer to this comparison chart for the key differences between the French Immersion program and the Core French program.
French Immersion
(Current)
- Available in Grades 1 to 8
- Beginning in Grade 1
- French is the language of instruction for approximately
- 85% of the total hours of instructional time in grades 1 to 3
- 50% of the total hours of instructional times in Grade 4 to 8
Core French
(Current)
French Instruction in
- Grades 1 to 3:
120 minutes per week - Grades 4 to 6:
120 minutes per week - Grades 7 to 8:
160 minutes per week
Secondary French Immersion Program
10 Core Courses are taught in the French language over 4 years with the option available for French Advanced Placement course credit.
Gr. 9 Courses
- French Language
- Religious Education
- Geography
Gr. 10 Courses
- French Language
- Religious Education
- History
Gr. 11 Courses
- French Language
- Religious Education
Gr. 12 Courses
- French Language
- Religious Education
2024-25 How do I Apply?
Elementary Students
During the months of July and August, elementary student registrations for the 2024-2025 school year will be processed by the Admissions Office at the Catholic Education Centre, located at 320 Bloomington Rd. W., Aurora. Please note that any requests for registration in a French Immersion school will not be approved by the Admissions Office. Your request will be forwarded to the school at the end of August, when school staff return to work. The school Administration team will review all French Immersion applications and school staff will contact you about your application. You may contact the school as of August 26th to enquire about the status of your application.
Secondary Students
Grades 9-12:
Must apply directly to the applicable high school.