Programs & Services - Programs of Choice - French Immersion
French Immersion
Canada has many languages, but two have official language status, English and French. The French Immersion Program is designed to teach French to non-French speaking children. In French Immersion, students are immersed in the French language while following the BC Provincial Curriculum: Building Student Success. New Westminster offers both Early and Late French Immersion.
Early French Immersion
Early French Immersion begins in Kindergarten (Grade 1 if space is available) and continues on through to grade 12. All instruction is in French for the first four years. English Language Arts is introduced in grade 4. The percentage of French instruction decreases gradually as students progress through the secondary grades. Early French Immersion is offered at Herbert Spencer Elementary, École Qayqayt Elementary, and École Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary. Enrolment is limited to one kindergarten entry class at each French Immersion school annually. Catchment boundaries are in effect for this program (see EFI catchment areas) View these resources:
- What is Early French Immersion? Frequently Asked Questions
- Brochure: A Snapshot of Early French Immersion
Late French Immersion
Late French Immersion is offered at École Glenbrook Middle School starting in grade 6. These students also carry on in French to the end of Grade 12. Similar to the Early Immersion Program, students study almost entirely in French in grade 6 and move on to gradually include English studies. Enrolment is limited to two grade six entry classes at École Glenbrook Middle School annually. View these resources:
Supporting your child in French and Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Double Dogwood and what courses will my child need to take to graduate with a bilingual dogwood?
- How can I support my child in French Immersion?
- Homework help and internet links
- How to pronounce French sounds
Application Procedure
Applications for Programs of Choice are no longer accepted at the School Board Office reception. Applications for Programs of Choice will be available online January 21, 2019 (9 am) – February 15, 2019 (4 pm) for students starting Kindergarten or grade one in September 2019 for Early French Immersion and for students entering grade 6 in September 2019 for Late French Immersion. If you submitted an application prior to June 30, 2015 you will receive an email, in the year you applied for, confirming your application has already been received. A separate application form is required for each child.
Please email us when applying for entry in grades other than K, 1, and 6, and for more information.
Note: Spaces are limited in Programs of Choice. We offer one Kindergarten entry class at each of the three elementary schools for EFI, one Kindergarten entry class at each of the two elementary schools for Montessori, and the two entry grade six classes at Glenbrook Middle school for LFI. An application does NOT guarantee a spot in a Program of Choice.
