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French as a Second Language

HomePrograms and LearningFrench as a Second Language
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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.

Elementary school

Core French

  • 120 hours per year in Grades 4 to 8 (mandatory in English-language schools)

French Immersion

  • 100% French instruction for Kindergarten to Grade 1
  • 80% French instruction for Grade 2 to 5 (Language taught in English)
  • 50% French instruction for Grade 6 to 8 (Language, Math and Science taught in English)

Students can enter the program in JK or SK or Grade 1 up to October 1st of the Grade 1 year. Students may enter the French Immersion program beyond October of Grade One with a demonstrated proficiency in French language skills appropriate to their level. This would include listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French to ensure success in the program.

Secondary school

For secondary school, students may count up to four French as a second language (FSL)

courses towards their secondary school diploma and use up to three French credits towards their 18 compulsory credits.

These courses must:

  • Apply in only one program (i.e. Core, Extended or Immersion)
  • Be one course type (Academic, Applied, University or Open)

Core French program

With the Core French program, students must take a minimum of one credit for graduation.

Extended French program (Kingsville District High School only)

With the Extended French program, students must take seven credits in French, where:

  • Four courses are FSL
  • Three are in other subjects where French is the language of instruction

French Immersion program

With the French Immersion program, students must take ten credits in French, where:

  • Four courses are FSL
  • Six are in other subjects where French is the language of instruction

Diplôme d'etudes en langue française (DELF) Exam

Secondary students enrolled in Grade 12 FSL courses have the option of taking the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) exam. This exam is an assessment of proficiency in French. It is offered through the Ministry of National Education in France.

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?

Families do not need to speak French in order for their children to attend French Immersion. There are many ways that your involvement and support in your child's education will help your child reach their potential.

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.

Elementary school

Elementary schools that offer French Immersion include:

  • Amherstburg Public School
  • Belle River Public School 
  • Bellewood Public School
  • Central Public School (Kindergarten to Grade 6 – September 2025)
  • Erie Migration District School (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
  • James L. Dunn Public School
  • Gore Hill Public School 
  • Lakeshore Discovery School
  • Legacy Oak Trail
  • Sandwich West Public School
  • Tecumseh Vista Academy (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
  • W.F. Herman Academy (Kindergarten to Grade 12)

Secondary school

Secondary schools that offer French Immersion include:

  • Belle River District High School
  • Sandwich Secondary School
  • Tecumseh Vista Academy (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
  • W.F. Herman Academy (Kindergarten to Grade 12)

Secondary schools that offer Extended French include:

  • Erie Migration District School (Kindergarten to Grade 12)

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Greater Essex County District School Board

451 Park Street West
P.O. Box 210
Windsor ON N9A 5V4

Phone: (519) 255-3200
Toll Free: 1-888-779-7735

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