Frequently Asked Questions: French Immersion

Learn more about French Immersion in Elk Island Public Schools.

Which schools offer French Immersion and how do I know which school I am zoned to?

School boundary maps outlining the designated French Immersion areas for elementary, junior high and senior high are available on our maps page.

Parents can also find their designated French Immersion school under the advanced search within the Find My Designated School tool.

French Immersion is offered at the following EIPS schools:

Fort Saskatchewan
- École Parc Élémentaire (K to 6)
  Phone: 780-998-3741
Rural Strathcona County
- Ardrossan Elementary (K to 6)
  Phone: 780-922-2066
- Ardrossan Junior Senior High (7 to 12)
  Phone: 780-922-2228
Sherwood Park
- École Campbelltown (K to 6)
  Phone: 780-467-5143
- Heritage Hills Elementary (K to 6)
  Phone: 780-467-7447
- Sherwood Heights Junior High (7 to 9)
  Phone: 780-467-5930

When are the open houses for French Immersion?

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the open houses.

Ardrossan Elementary: (K to 6): Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 | 5-6:30 p.m.

Heritage Hills Elementary (K to 6): Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 | 6-7:30 p.m.

École Parc Élémentaire (K to 6): Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 | 5-6:30 p.m.

École Campbelltown (K to 6): Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 | 1-4 p.m.

Sherwood Heights Junior High (7 to 9): Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 | 6-8 p.m.

Ardrossan Junior Senior High (10-12): Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 | 6-7 p.m.

Do children need to know French before starting Kindergarten or Grade 1 in the French Immersion program?

No, previous knowledge of French is not required to register in Kindergarten or Grade 1.

When can students enrol in the French Immersion program?

Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for the French Immersion program.

What if I don’t speak French?

Parents do not have to speak French for their children to enjoy and be successful in French Immersion.

Division 1 (Kindergarten to Grade 3), homework typically reviews topics and vocabulary already taught in class.
By Division 2 (Grades 4–6), students are better equipped to explain their work in English. If parents have questions or need assistance, they are encouraged to reach out to the teacher.

Will communications from the school be in English or French?  

Communications from the school and the Division will be in English.

What subjects are taught in French in the French Immersion program

Students complete the regular Alberta Education curriculum (French Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Phys. Ed., Music, Health and Art) in French, as well as the regular English Language Arts program starting in Grade 3.

Will learning French affect my child’s English language skills?

Research shows that learning a second language does not negatively impact first-language skills. In fact, the skills developed in one language support development in the other. Studies have found that French Immersion students often match or exceed the performance of their peers in English programs by Grades 4–5, once English Language Arts is introduced in the curriculum.

Will my child still learn English?

Yes, English instruction begins in Grade 3 and follows the Alberta Education curriculum. Students enrolled in French Immersion will receive the same high-quality education available in all our programs.

What are the benefits of French Immersion?  

improve communication skills in student’s first language
promote acceptance and valuing of other cultures
enhanced problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
international language certification opportunities— such as the Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF)

What opportunities are available for French Immersion students beyond elementary school?

French Immersion continues into junior high and high school, offering opportunities for advanced French courses, cultural activities, and international DELF certification. Many post-secondary institutions and workplaces recognize the DELF certification.

Will my child graduate with a bilingual diploma?

Students who complete the French Immersion program will receive a French Immersion Certificate upon graduation, recognizing their bilingual proficiency in French and English.

The EIPS French Immersion program provides students with the opportunity to take the DELF exam (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) at the end of Grade 12.

What is the DELF, and how does it benefit French Immersion students?

The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is an internationally recognized certification that assesses French language proficiency, providing an official credential of their bilingual abilities. This certification provides numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced university and job applications
Access to study or work opportunities in French-speaking countries

When does registration open?

New Student Registration: 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2025

Is your child new to the school division? New Student registration for the 2025-26 school year will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2025. Visit the New Student Registration page.

Kindergarten Student: 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2025

Is your child entering kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year? Kindergarten registration for 2025-26 will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2025. To be eligible to attend kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year, your child must have turned five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2025. Visit the kindergarten registration page for information specific to kindergarten.

Returning Student Registration: Feb. 10-24, 2025.

Is your child currently a student of Elk Island Public Schools? Returning student registration for 2025-26 will open Feb. 10-24, 2025. For more information, refer to the Returning Student Registration page.

Can students enrol in multiple programs?

No. French Immersion is a standalone program, the same as Logos, Alternative Christian and Junior High Honours. Students must choose if they want to enrol in French Immersion, Logos, Alternative Christian or Junior High Honours, but they can’t do more than one.

How much does the French Immersion program cost?

There’s no cost for enrolling in the program. There may be a nominal fee for cultural activities.

While in French Immersion, can my child still participate in extracurricular activities - for example, sports programs?

Yes. They’ll still have equal opportunity to access the extracurricular opportunities at their school.

Does the French Immersion program follow the same calendar as EIPS?

Yes. The French Immersion program follows the Division calendar.

What does transportation look like for my child?

Transportation routes and fees depend on where you’re located in relation to the school your child attends. If your child resides within Elk Island Public Schools, you’ll be assessed the applicable transportation fee. For more information and details about student transportation services and fees, see the EIPS Transportation web page.

Last updated: Jan. 9, 2025