What is French Immersion (FI)?
French immersion is a successful approach to second language learning due to its unique learning environment where French is used as the language of instruction for several or all subjects other than English Language Arts.
Time allocations for French language instruction are as follows:
- Kindergarten introduction to and development of French vocabulary, phrases and structures
- Grades 1-2 :100% instruction in French
- Grades 3-6: 80% French Instruction - Students begin English Language Arts instruction in Grade 3
- Grades 7-8: 70% French Instruction - Students have English Language Arts and some options in English.
- Grades 9-12: 50-80% dependent on grade and course selection.
Which school(s) offers FI?
The French Immersion programming is offered at École Montrose for Preschool to Grade 8 and at Charles Spencer High School Grades 9-12.
Do students and their parents need to know French to enter FI?
Students and families DO NOT need to know French to enter this program.
- Early French Immersion starts at Preschool, Kindergarten or Grade 1 - no previous French experience required.
- Late Entry French Immersion begins for students entering Grade 5 with no previous French experience.
- Students that are new to Grande Prairie Public School Division with previous French Immersion experience may register directly into the French Immersion program at any grade, after a brief consultation with the Principal or Academic Adviser.
For more information regarding Preschool to Grade 8 French Immersion please contact GPPSD École Montrose at 780-532-8861.
For More Information regarding High School French Immersion please contact Charles Spencer High School at 780-513-3200
Early French Immersion
Early French Immersion begins in Preschool, Kindergarten or Grade 1 and is intended to continue through Grade 12. Students can enter at any point in the early grades. This is based on research that young children learn languages easier than older learners. The program is designed for students who's parents do not speak French. For more information on the Early French Immersion programs at Ecole Montrose click HERE. To view the online registration click the School Engage or PowerSchool Links at the bottom of this page.
Late Entry French Immersion
Late Entry French Immersion (LEFI) provides students who missed entering in French Immersion in Preschool, Kindergarten or Grade 1. It is designed to introduce and develop French Language skills with students who have little to no previous French language experience. The Late Entry French Immersion program is offered at Ecole Montrose to students entering Grade 5. LEFI students continue as a cohort together until they are fully integrated with the Early French Immersion students in Grade 9 at Charles Spencer High School.
As space in the Late Entry French Immersion program is limited. Registrations are completed online, once the registration is submitted, students will be interviewed prior to final approval for enrollment. Students should have demonstrated a desire to learn a second language and a motivation to do so.
Families will be contacted within a week to schedule an interview. To view the online registration click
the School Engage or PowerSchool Links at the bottom of this page.
High School French Immersion
French Immersion students attend Charles Spencer High School, which offers a dual-track English and French Immersion programming. Charles Spencer High School has a student population of approximately 1100 students.
- Students that are new to Grande Prairie Public School Division with previous French Immersion experience may register directly into the French Immersion program after a brief consultation with an Academic Adviser. To view the online registration click the School Engage or PowerSchool Links at the bottom of this page.
- Students that are currently enrolled in French Immersion at Ecole Montrose and are wishing to continue to High School French Immersion, will be met with by the Academic Adviser for course selection for the upcoming year.
Provided there is sufficient enrollment in French Immersion courses, the following courses will be offered in French:
Grade 9
All core courses, with the exception of elective classes, are taught in French.
Grade 10
the following courses are available in French:
- French Language Arts 10
- Mathématiques 10C
- Science 10
- Études Sociales 10
- Éducation Physique 10
- Carrière et Vie (Career and Life Management)
Grade 11
the following courses are available in French:
- French Language Arts 20-1/20-2
- Études Sociales 20-1/20-2
- Mathématiques 20-1
- Mathématiques 20-2
- Science 20
- Biologie 20
- Chimie 20
- Physique 20
Grade 12
the following courses are available in French:
- French Language Arts 30-1/30-2
- Études Sociales 30-1/30-2
- Mathématiques 30-1
- Mathématiques 30-2
- Biologie 30
- Chimie 30
- Physique 30
Elective Courses
- French Vernacular
- Art Dramatique
- Psychologie
