All WRDSB elementary students have access to two French as a Second Language (FSL) programs through the core French and French immersion pathways.

Yes! One of the guiding principles for FSL outlined in A Framework for French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2013) is that “FSL programs are for all students” (p. 10). For more information, consult the Ontario guide Including Students with Special Education Needs in French as a Second Language Programs.

Yes. One of the guiding principles for FSL outlined in A Framework for French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2013) is that “FSL programs are for all students” (p. 10). Participation in FSL programs should reflect the diversity of the student population, including students with special education needs and students who are English language learners. Students will receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs in all French pathways.

Families do not need French language skills for their child to learn French. For more information please visit Canadian Parents for French.

“Current research supports the concept that multilingualism has many benefits, such as facilitating English proficiency, improving career opportunities, and enhancing understanding and appreciation of global diversity.” For more information, visit:

• • Framework for French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2013
  • Supporting Your Child’s Success in French Immersion and Extended French (p. 6)

The choice of changing from the French immersion pathway to the core French pathway is up to the discretion of the family.  For further information, please see Administrative Procedure 1000 French Immersion – Elementary (section 9)

Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that furthers bilingualism by promoting opportunities to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home.

Existing schools continue to offer French immersion when there is enough enrolment. The decision to expand into other schools is made by the end of March for the following school year. We consider many factors in expanding the French immersion program to other schools. The factors are listed in Adminstrative Procedure 1000 – French Immersion – Elementary.

Students who live within the boundary of the Home School or have an older sibling enrolled in the French immersion program are prioritized in the lottery if they apply by January 31 (Phase 1). We take all applications after February 1 on a first-come, first-served basis where there is space (Phase 2).

All students are encouraged to apply. We try to place as many students as possible. We must follow the Ministry of Education class size guidelines. If more students want French immersion than there are spots available, waiting lists are created.

We use a lottery system to form our French immersion classes for the entry-level year. Each year, applications to the lottery are accepted until January 31 (Phase 1). You can apply online at www.wrdsb.ca/french. We take applications until the 20th school day of the entry-level year (Phase 2). If you need help, call 519-570-0003 ext. 4419 or email frenchprograms@wrdsb.ca.

Students must start the French immersion program at the entry point (Grade 2 as of September 2025). Tutoring will not provide your child with the required number of hours in French language instruction to ensure that they are at the same level as their peers.

The WRDSB only has one entry point for French immersion – the start of Grade 2. Students within their Grade 2 year or after may attend a WRDSB school for French immersion if they are enrolled in French immersion or have French language experience. Proof of previous French immersion instruction or equivalent French language experience is required (e.g., a report card or alternative proof of language skill).

You can visit our website: www.wrdsb.ca/french, call 519-570-0003 ext. 4419 or email frenchprograms@wrdsb.ca.

Students anticipating applying for Grade 2 French immersion should attend their Home School for Kindergaten to Grade 1.

In this case, the student is considered to be from within the school boundary only if they had a sibling enrolled in the French immersion program when the student enters French immersion.

Most schools can accept out-of-boundary students. However, due to capacity or site constraints, some schools may not be able to accept any out-of-boundary students or only a limited number.  For a list of schools that have limited enrollment please visit our website.

You may apply to an out-of-boundary school if your home school does not offer French immersion. Please note that transportation to an out-of-boundary school is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver. Please refer to our Student Transportation policy for details. Due to site constraints and over-enrolment, some schools may limit out-of-boundary registrations for French immersion. Please see the list of limited enrolment schools.

Yes. If your child is enrolled in French immersion, then the child’s siblings can attend that same school. The siblings can be older or younger than the child in French immersion, and the siblings do not need to be enrolled in French immersion. This does not apply to older siblings if the home school is JK-6 and the sibling attends a different school for Grades 7 and 8.

During the application process, more students may apply than spots available. In this case, you may be put on a waiting list. While on the waiting list, you can accept a spot at an out-of-boundary school to secure your child’s attendance in the French immersion program. If your child’s home school has French immersion, they must return to their home school for Grade 3.  

If a student attends an out-of-boundary school for Grades 2-6 and their Grade 7 home school (based on the home address) has French immersion, they are to attend that school for Grade 7.  Students who want to attend another school can use the Out of Boundary Request process.

Transportation (busing) to an out-of-boundary school for French immersion is not provided. The distance guidelines used to decide whether or not a student can ride a school bus are only for students attending their home school for the French immersion program.

Please refer to our Student Transportation policy for details.