French Immersion

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

2023-24   How do I Apply?

Elementary Students

Grade 1:

Students must go through an application process which will open in November and close in January of the following year.  Information will be sent home with students and posted on our website.

Grades 2-8:

Must meet eligibility criteria. Please contact the school for more information.

Secondary Students

Grades 9-12:

Must apply directly to the applicable high school.