French as a Second Language

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is proud to offer French as a Second Language programs, including French Immersion to students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12.

To find out more about our French programs, contact us at [email protected].

Elementary and Secondary French as a Second Language programs

Learn about the variety of French as a Second Language programs we offer at both elementary and secondary schools including Core French, French Immersion and Extended French.

French as a Second Language homework help

Find French resources and tools to help you with your French homework so you can strengthen your skills and be better equipped to succeed.

Helping your child in French as a Second Language

Learn how to help your child in French Immersion so they can become confident in their French skills. Find resources and tips you can do with your children to offer them encouragement and support.

Stages of learning French as a Second Language

French as a Second Language students will move through various stages of learning French.

First, students will:

• Learn and use the basics of the French language
• Understand simple words and expressions
• Communicate with others

As they continue to be exposed to the language, students will:

• Work towards becoming independent users of the language
• Start to understand and communicate in familiar and increasingly complex situations

Finally, students may:

• Work towards increased proficiency to become functionally bilingual
• Understand virtually everything heard or read
• Express themselves in French in any given situation

Benefits of French as a Second Language

By providing students with strong second language skills, we will be arming them with invaluable communication skills. Learning French can support student's development of gaining: 

• Cognitive and academic growth
• Interpersonal and social skills 
• Economic and cultural assets
• Job opportunities
• Global communication
• Enhanced literacy skills

How to register for French Immersion

To register your child for French Immersion, visit our GECDSB registration page.

Who can register?

The French Immersion program is an Early French Immersion model because students may enrol in the program beginning in Kindergarten up until the beginning of Grade 1. The program continues into secondary school where students can achieve a French Immersion certificate.

Please note, all students regardless of their ability have access to the French Immersion program supports that are offered at GECDSB. This allows students to receive an education that is tailored to their specific needs.

What is French Immersion?

French Immersion is designed for students whose first language is not French. As students move through the program, they will learn in both French and English. The goals of the program are to:

• Develop confidence and proficiency in French
• Help students become functionally bilingual
• Provide pathways for students to continue in French Immersion until Grade 12
• Instil an appreciation for French, one of Canada's official languages and develop intercultural awareness
• Promote lifelong language learning
• Support student learning in French in other subject areas

Do families need to speak French?

Transportation for French Immersion schools

Students in French Immersion will receive transportation through the Board's policy. Visit BusKids for more information.

Find a French Immersion school

To find which French Immersion School your child can attend, visit BusKids. We offer French Immersion at both the elementary and secondary school levels.