January 13th, 2024
Making an Informed Decision Regarding French Immersion
As you have likely read, French Immersion Registration is now open for students born in 2017 who will be entering Grade 2 in September 2024.
We realize that this can be a difficult decision for some parents/caregivers to make for their child and we are here to help you. There is a lot of information available and we encourage you to take a look at the WRDSB resources available:
- General information about French programs: www.wrdsb.ca/french/french-programs
- How to apply for Grade 2 French immersion: www.wrdsb.ca/french/application/
- Schools that have French immersion: www.wrdsb.ca/french/schools
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s): www.wrdsb.ca/french/faq
- Video highlighting French language pathways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM3XuxIsBC8
- Slide Deck explaining the application process: https://youtu.be/-a8x2G-B8J8
We get a lot of questions about subject allocation, and the amount of time that students are taught in French and what subjects it includes. Parents are often surprised to hear that students in the French Immersion program only receive 45-60 minutes of specific English language instruction daily as the majority of the language time is spent in French. Students in the English stream receive at least 2 hours of specific English language instruction daily in addition to all other subjects being in English (other than 30 mins of Core French/day).
Elementary French Immersion Subject Instruction and Time Breakdown:
| Grade Level | Minutes (periods) per 5 day cycle in English | Minutes (periods) per 5 day cycle in French | Total Minutes per 5-day Cycle |
| Grades 2-6 |
630 (21 periods) 42% -Math, Science, English (7-8 periods) |
870 (29 periods) 58% -French, Physical Education, Drama, Dance, Music, Social Studies, Art |
1500 |
| Grades 7-8 |
750 (25 periods) 50% -Math, Science, English (3 periods), PE, Dance, Music |
750 (25 periods) 50% -French, History, Geography, Art, Drama |
1500 |
WRDSB is committed to supporting all students in the French Immersion program and is hoping to avoid students switching out of the program. Moving forward, switching out of FI will require the approval of our Superintendent and only after all other supports have been tried.
If you would like support in making this decision, please reach out to your child’s teacher or school administration.
Rebecca Jutzi -Principal
Karen Canapini -Vice-Principal