December 17th, 2025

Learning an additional language enhances cognitive development, teaches understanding, encourages patience, and fosters open-mindedness.

In the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), French language learning begins early, as we are proud to offer every student a strong foundation in French. Starting in Grade 1, all students build skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through our Core French program. As they move into Grade 2, parents, families and caregivers can choose between two pathways, each designed to support confident, capable French learners.

No matter which path you take, your child will experience a sustainable, high-quality French education that opens doors to language, culture and connection.

Core French

Core French is offered to every student in WRDSB elementary and secondary schools. It reflects our commitment to ensuring all learners benefit from engaging, developmentally appropriate French instruction. Through rich, interactive experiences, students develop their ability to understand, speak, read and write in French; skills they use both in the classroom and in daily life.

All students are automatically enrolled in Core French beginning in Grade 1. By the end of Grade 8, students following the Core French pathway will have received at least 600 hours of French language instruction.

French Immersion

Grades 2 to 6

Students enrolled in French Immersion spend 58% of their day learning in French. In Grades 2 through 6, subjects taught in French are French Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Drama/Dance/Music and Physical Education.

Grades 7 and 8

In Grades 7 and 8, 50% of the subjects are taught in French, including French Language Arts, Geography/History and some combination of Visual Arts, Drama, Music and/or Physical Education.

If your child completes French Immersion from Grades 2 through 8, they can continue their French Immersion or Extended French pathway in selected secondary schools.

French Immersion – Application Required

Students, parents, families and caregivers interested in French Immersion must complete an application. Phase 1 of the application process (for students born in 2019) opens on January 7, 2026, and will close on January 31, 2026.

To learn more about the French program pathways and student learning opportunities, visit our website: https://www.wrdsb.ca/french/