All Ontario public school students learn French. Learning an additional language enhances cognitive development, teaches understanding, encourages patience, and fosters open-mindedness.
In the Waterloo Region District School Board, we are proud to offer two pathways for students to learn French or develop their French language proficiency. All students can access French-Language programs through the Core French and French Immersion programs.
Goals
- Increase student confidence, proficiency, and achievement in all French as a Second Language programs
- Increase access to quality core French and French Immersion for equity-seeking groups
- Increase student, educator, caregiver, and community engagement in French as a Second Language
Core French
As part of the regular Ontario curriculum, Core French is taught to all students in our elementary and secondary schools from Grades 1 through 9. Students learn the French language by speaking, reading, writing, singing and through drama.
In Grades 10 through 12, students may choose to continue studying French by selecting one Core French course per year.
French Immersion – Elementary
Students enrolled in French Immersion participate in a program that offers 58 per cent of their day in French. In Grades 2 through 6, the subjects taught in French are French Language, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Music and Physical Education. If your child completes French Immersion from Grades 2 through 8, they will be eligible to enroll in either Extended or Immersion French in high school.