French immersion

Overview

French immersion is an approach to second language learning developed in Canada in response to the desire of English-speaking parents to have their children become fluent in French. In Alberta, French immersion is offered as an alternative French-language program under Sections 17 and 19 of the Education Act. Students learn French and use French to learn their school subjects, helping them build strong language skills while meeting the same learning expectations as other students. Students learn the French language, learn about the French language and learn through the French language.

Learning environment

• French is the language of instruction for a significant portion of the school day. Several or all subject areas are taught in French, with the exception of English Language Arts and Literature/English Language Arts courses.
• French immersion programming begins with an intensive period focused on developing French-language skills. This strong foundation enables students to learn to read and start studying other subject areas, such as mathematics, science, social studies, and the fine arts.
• French Immersion Language Arts and Literature/French Language Arts courses are mandatory from Kindergarten to Grade 9.
• School-based and extracurricular activities conducted in French support language development and cultural appreciation.
• The language of communication between home and school is English.

Benefits for students

Students in French immersion programs:

• develop fluency in French
• develop the ability to live, work and pursue post-secondary studies in French, English or both languages
• build an understanding and appreciation of the Francophonie in Canada and beyond
• achieve English-language proficiency equivalent to that of students in English-language programs
• develop an appreciation for other languages, cultures and communities in Canada and around the world

Starting French immersion

• Many schools offer early French immersion beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1.
• Some schools offer late French immersion beginning in Grade 6 or Grade 7.
• For more information about French immersion programming in your area, contact your local school authorities.

Keep in mind

• Students enrolled in French immersion programs follow the K to 12 curriculum and programs of study and the same English Language Arts and Literature/English Language Arts courses as all Alberta students. 
• Reading and writing skills develop similarly in both languages, and once learned, they transfer easily from one language to the other.  
• Learning additional languages builds skills that support the acquisition of other languages in the future.

Resources

• ACCENT – Presents a bilingual directory of French-language resources for Alberta school communities.
• Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française (ACELF) – Supports leadership in French-language education across Canada.
• Association canadienne des professionnels de l’immersion (ACPI) – Supports and advances French immersion education in Canada.
• Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA) – Represents Alberta’s francophone community.
• Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) – Advances excellence in second-language teaching.
• Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – Supports bilingualism and French-language learning for children and youth across Canada.
• Fédération du sport francophone de l’Alberta (FSFA) – Promotes the French language and francophone culture through sport.
• Francophonie Jeunesse de l’Alberta (FJA) – Encourages leadership and engagement among French‑speaking youth.
• Handbook for French Immersion Administrators – An Alberta government document supporting school leaders in delivering French immersion programs.