Will my child be successful in the program?

Your child is likely to succeed in French Immersion if he/she has a good knowledge of his/her mother tongue and speaks clearly. Furthermore, you and your family should be willing to play an active role in your child's education.

How quickly do the children learn to speak French?

Comprehension of spoken French develops first. The ability to speak develops more slowly. In the Early French Immersion program, students start to communicate spontaneously in French by grade one. In Late French Immersion, students are expected to speak with some fluency by the end of the first year of the program (grade 6).

What percentage of classroom instruction is actually in the French language?
The percentage of instruction in the French language decreases as children progress through the French Immersion program.

EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION
• Kindergarten-grade 2 students receive 100% instruction in French.
• Grades 3-7 students receive 80% instruction in French.

LATE FRENCH IMMERSION
• Grade 6 students receive 100% instruction in French.
• Grade 7 students receive 80% instruction in French.

SECONDARY
• Grades 8-10 students receive 35%-50% instruction in French.
• Grades 11-12 students receive 25% instruction in French.

Will my child's level of achievement be adversely affected if instruction is in the French language?

Most English speaking children who receive their education in French are able to achieve the same levels of competency in all core subjects as those children who have had all their instruction in English.

What about my child's English Language Skills?

While there is a lag in English language development in the early grades, the only area showing a significant difference between Immersion students and their English counterparts is in spelling. The trend in later grades is for Immersion students to perform as well as, or better than, students educated in the English language.

What support services will be available to my child?

North Vancouver School District believes strongly in maintaining parallel services for children at the elementary level. French speaking learning assistance or L.A.C. teachers help children who have difficulties in French Language Arts and Math. If you have any concerns about your child's ability to function in the French Immersion Program, express them immediately. Qualified professionals with experience in French Immersion will answer questions specific to your child.

Nobody speaks French in our home. How can we help our child?

The majority of French Immersion students come from non-French speaking homes. As a result, the program is designed for students whose mother tongue is not French. The Immersion teachers are bilingual and can communicate with parents in English. The best way to help your child is to be interested and supportive. You can support your child by helping him/her develop strong organizational skills and positive work habits. If a child develops these skills at an early age, he/she will benefit from them forever. It is also important to discuss assignments and to make sure that your child has what he/she needs to complete each assignment. Finally, do not forget to communicate with the teacher as soon as you have a concern.

How can I help my child with reading if I don't speak French?

It is important for you as a parent to continue reading to your child on a daily basis. Students who read regularly at home in their first language usually do well in school. Research indicates that many reading strategies transfer easily from the first language to French. If you have any doubts about your child's development in reading, or questions about your home reading program, contact your child's teacher.

What support services will be available to me as a parent?

North Vancouver "Parents for French" is a local chapter of Canadian Parents for French. This voluntary group promotes and supports French Immersion.

What are the French Immersion catchment areas?

French Immersion is a District program with no specific catchment areas.  The program is reviewed regularly to provide equity of access for all children and to maintain a balanced enrolment across the school district.  French Immersion school locations and the overall program configuration may change over time due to the complex nature of fluctuations in enrolment and other factors.