French Immersion
Edmonton Catholic Schools French Immersion program is designed for students (and their families) whose first language is not French. The program offers students the opportunity to learn French while complimenting their English language development.
It begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and continues through to Grade 12. French Immersion enables students to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French by the end of Grade 12 while achieving a level of English competence equivalent to students learning in English programs.
The language of communication between home and school is English. Families do not need to know French for their child(ren) to be successful in this program. Many supports are in place to assist families with their child's language learning journey.
French Immersion provides students with the opportunity to become functionally bilingual in French by the end of Grade 12. Students follow the Alberta Education curriculum all while studying in French.
Eligibility and Points of Entry
Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for French Immersion. No knowledge of French is required for these entry points.
Families wishing to register their child(ren) in French Immersion after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.
Resources for Families
ECSD is here to support our families and students throughout their language learning journey.
We have a helpful video series, Language Learning Myths and Misconceptions, which is a dedicated resource to support families considering enrolling their children into a language program, and an in-depth video, Supporting Your Language Learner.
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t speak French – how can I support my child’s learning?
Edmonton Catholic Schools French Immersion programs is designed for families who may not speak French. Several resources are available to assist your child(ren) in their language learning journey. These can be found in the resources section above.
Will communications from the school be in English or French?
Communications from the school and Edmonton Catholic Schools will be in English.
Will my child still learn English?
Yes, all students in immersion and bilingual programs still receive formalized English instruction in addition to their instruction in the target language.
Can my child enter a language program beyond Kindergarten or Grade 1?
Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for French Immersion program. No prior knowledge French is required for these entry points. Families wishing to register their children in French Immersion after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.
Can my child continue French Immersion from Kindergarten to Grade 12?
Yes! Edmonton Catholic Schools offers French Immersion in all grades. Please visit the ECSD French Immersion Schools list near the top of the page.
What options are available for my child to get to the school with our chosen language program?
Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:
- Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
- Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable.
Please visit this page for more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools.
What are the benefits of French Immersion?
Learning a second language has been shown to bring cognitive and academic benefits, and can open up many additional opportunities such as employment. Research has shown that learning a second language can positively affect first language development.
Can my child challenge a language course?
Yes. Current Edmonton Catholic Schools high school students have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency (culture, speaking, reading, writing) in one of six languages Filipino, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Please visit our second language course challenge page for more information.
Registration
To register your child(ren), please visit our registration page for more information.
Transportation
Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:
- Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
- Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable.
For more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools, please visit this page.
High School Shuttle Service - J.H. Picard
We are excited to announce that starting in September 2025, high school shuttle service to J.H. Picard Catholic School is expanding! This service will now include new pick-up and drop-off locations for French Immersion students in Grades 10-12. Click here to learn more.
ECSD French Immersion Perspectives
Learn more about our Edmonton Catholic Schools French Immersion programs from students, parents, and teachers.
Student Exchange Opportunities
Student exchange programs are a great way for students to learn how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures, learn more about international communities, and become active global citizens.
Students in ECSD are able to apply to study abroad in Mexico and Spain through Alberta Education.
Learn more here.
French Opportunities in the Community
We say Oui in YEG - Video Series
A video series called "We Say Oui In YEG" was created to highlight simple ways parents can support their French Immersion child at home.
We say Oui - Links
French Immersion Program
What are the benefits of being bilingual?
- Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.
- Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
- Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.
- Gives a child the ability to communicate with people he/she would otherwise not have the chance to know.
- Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other cultures.
- Gives a student a head start in language requirements for post secondary education.
- Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
What are the benefits of knowing a second language for the future?
- Students have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures.
- Some evidence also suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems.
- Students with a second language are better able to participate in the global community, this increasing economic competitiveness abroad, improving global communication, and maintaining our political and security interests.
As a parent/guardian how can I help my child who is enrolled in this program?
- Encourage your child to speak French.
- Show him/her that you value the ability to speak French.
- Attend cultural events that feature music, dance or food from the country or countries where French is spoken.
- Provide some books, videos or other materials in French.
CATHOLIC FRENCH IMMERSION (K-12)
Welcome to Ecole J.H. Picard where faith, French, and learning come together!
We're a full French Immersion school for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our French Immersion program gives kids amazing experiences both inside and outside the classroom. We follow the Alberta Education curriculum, taught in French, and also have regular English Language Arts classes.
Our program is perfect for students whose parents don't speak French but who want to learn the language.
It helps kids grow academically and think in new ways.
French Immersion is for students excited to learn French! You can start in Kindergarten or Grade One.
In Elementary, all subjects except Religion are taught in French, with English Language Arts starting in Grade 2.
In Junior and Senior High, 60% to 80% of the classes are in French, depending on the program you choose.
We also celebrate French culture with fun annual events and entertainment.
Come join us and enjoy the benefits of learning in both French and English!
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