French Immersion Program (K-12)​

The French Immersion Program provides students with the opportunity to acquire fluency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communicating in French by the end of Grade 12. It is a program in which French is the language of instruction, beginning in kindergarten and continuing to Grade 4 when English is introduced. Early French Immersion is designed for non-Francophones and is an effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while achieving all the learning outcomes of the regular programs of study. Francophone children are welcome to attend French Immersion programs.

Benefits of Learning French

Learning French offers students significant linguistic, academic, and cognitive benefits. It opens doors to knowledge, communication, culture, and travel, and gives graduates an edge in the global job market. It also provides the following benefits:

• strengthens English literacy skills
• develops listening and learning skills
• enhances problem-solving abilities
• increases cognitive abilities, making the student a more flexible and creative thinker
• provides graduates with more choices for advanced education and career options
• gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market anywhere in Canada and in many other countries
• broadens students' cultural life through access to literature, art, and music, and possibly travel in another language
• makes learning a third or fourth language easier

Benefits of Our Early French Immersion Program

• Early French Immersion, reading and writing are first taught in French, but students quickly transfer those skills to English beginning in Grade 4. The program includes a strong English language component in Grades 4-12.
• It is suitable for children with diverse learning needs, including those for whom English is a second language, providing supports are available.

Subject & Language Breakdown by Grade Level

• Kindergarten - Grade 3: All subjects are taught in French
• Grade 4: English Language Arts is introduced.
• Grades 5-7: All subjects are taught in French except for English Language Arts, some options may also be taught in English.
• Grades 8-9: Francais et études sociales are taught in French. Other subjects may be available in French pending staffing resources.
• Grades 10-12: French Immersion students have access to French Language Arts and Social Studies in French.

Schools & Communities Offering French Immersion

• Majagaleehl Gali Aks in Hazelton (K-7)
• Hazelton Secondary in Hazelton (8-12)
• Ecole Mountainview in Terrace (K-6)
• Skeena Middle School in Terrace (7-9)
• Caledonia Secondary in Terrace (10-12)
• Kildala Elementary in Kitimat (K-6)
• Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School in Kitimat (7-12)

Previous French experience is not required, and parents do not need to know the language. All written communication home is done in English. Reading in English in addition to the practice in French will build their reading skills which are transferrable.

Core French

• Students will develop effective communication skills in French and an openness to, and appreciation of, Francophone cultures. Core French is offered from grades 5-12.
• Core French programs are offered in most of our schools. 
  • Canadian Parents for French: Website for the Canadian Parents for French
  • French for the future : inspire a passion for bilingualism (french-future.org)
  • FSL 5 FSL 6 FSL 7 FSL 8 FSL 9 FSL 10 FSL 11 FSL 12 Curriculum Links