French Immersion Waitlists

Phase 1 – Applications received by January 31

  • Waitlists are created for students not placed in a class through the Phase 1 lottery.
  • The lottery results determine the order of the waitlist.
  • Waitlists remain open until the 20th instructional day of the school year.
  • Students may be on up to three (3) waitlists to increase their chances of acceptance.
  • If a spot opens, families are notified and have five (5) business days to confirm acceptance.
  • Students must secure a spot by the 20th instructional day of the school year to be enrolled in French immersion.
  • If you applied in Phase 1, you do not need to apply again in Phase 2.

Phase 2 – Applications received after February 1

  • Applications are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis after Phase 1 applicants.
  • Many schools fill during Phase 1, but Phase 2 applicants may also join up to three (3) waitlists.
  • Priority is given to Phase 1 applicants except at limited enrolment schools.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t we secure a spot at our Designated School or first choice?

Grade 2 French immersion classes are created through a lottery system in this order:

Tier 1: Designated School students and approved Out-of-Boundary School students will be placed first.

Tier 2: Non-Designated School students will be placed second, except at Limited Enrolment Schools

  • Each class can accept 20–23 students.
  • If more students apply than spaces available, waitlists are formed.
  • Students are first considered for their Designated School or highest-ranked choice; if those schools are full, they may be placed at an alternative selected school.
  • Accepting a spot at your second or third choice does not remove you from the waitlist at your higher‑priority school(s).

What are my chances of securing a spot if I’m on a waitlist?

Your chances depend on several factors. You can improve them by:

  • Selecting up to three (3) schools
  • Choosing schools that are not marked “Limited Enrolment” (shown with an asterisk * on the application form)
  • Being flexible about school choices — some schools have longer waitlists than others

Reminder: the WRDSB does not provide busing to out‑of‑boundary schools for French immersion.

Does accepting a spot at my 2nd or 3rd choice remove me from other waitlists?

No. Accepting a placement at another school does not remove your child from the waitlist at your higher‑priority school(s).