French Immersion

French immersion is a highly successful approach to second language learning — an effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program. French is the language of instruction for a significant part of the school day; that is, several or all subjects, except English language arts, are taught in French. This program is designed for students whose first language is not French. The objective is full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture. – Alberta Education

Our school has early immersion which means students can enter the program beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1. Once a choice is made to place a child in the program, it is important that the student remain in this program for the duration of the school year.

English Language Arts is taught beginning in Grade Three. Evidence shows that the more exposure to the second language, the higher the levels of second language proficiency. Students in Grade Three write their SLA (Student Learner Assessments) in French. Students in French Immersion programs demonstrate similar progress in catching up with non-immersion students’ English language skills following the introduction of English Language Arts to the early immersion curriculum in Grade 3 or 4.