Say 'oui' to French Immersion

Children are naturally inclined to learn language.


Parents can enroll their children in the English Program or the French Immersion Program. The English Program is exclusively in English and includes a Core French component. French Immersion provides a balance of English and French instruction.

French Immersion is designed for English-speaking parents/guardians so they can support their children in school.

In French Immersion, students learn to speak French through the study of other subjects. This enriches their vocabulary, develops their problem solving skills, and increases their opportunities to speak French in meaningful contexts.

French Immersion provides students with an understanding of the cultures of French-speaking societies by integrating cultural studies into daily language instruction. Students also develop strong fundamental skills in oral communication (listening and speaking) as well as reading and writing.

Upon graduation from Grade 8, students receive an Elementary French Immersion Certificate. French Immersion students are encouraged to continue to study in the French Immersion Program at the secondary school level.


Elementary Schools


  • In Junior and Senior Kindergarten, the teachers speak French all of the time. Students are immersed in a supportive milieu and are encouraged to respond in French as much as possible.

  • In Grades 1 and 2, 100 per cent of the classroom instruction is in French.

  • In Grades 3 and 4, French language arts, mathematics, social studies, health, physical education, music, art, science and technology are taught in French and English Language Arts are taught in English.

  • In Grades 5 to 8, French language arts, social studies (history, geography), music, art, physical education and health are taught in French while English language arts, science, and mathematics are taught in English.

French Immersion is offered at the following Rainbow Elementary Schools

  • Alexander Public School
  • Carl A. Nesbitt Public School
  • Chelmsford Public School
  • Chelmsford Valley District Composite School (7&8)
  • Ernie Checkeris Public School
  • Lansdowne Public School
  • Levack Public School
  • Lively District Secondary School (7&8)
  • Northeastern Elementary School
  • R.L. Beattie Public School
  • Valley View Public School
  • Walden Public School
  • Westmount Avenue Public School


Secondary Schools  

The French Immersion Program at the secondary school level provides students with the skills they need to communicate in a second language and thereby enhance their ability to perform effectively and meet with success in a rapidly changing global economy.

Learning a second language enhances career choices, develops thinking and communication skills, and provides a greater appreciation of diversity.

Students in Rainbow Schools may obtain a French Immersion Certificate upon graduation by completing a minimum of ten courses taught in French. These include four Immersion French courses, plus six other courses from a wide variety of choices