Frequently Asked Questions about French Immersion
How proficient do students become in French?
Upon successful completion of the K – 12 French Immersion Program, students:
- understand and converse with native speakers;
- understand radio and television programs;
- read periodicals, magazines, newspapers, books, and websites with ease;
- write with considerable ease and accuracy.
What if I don’t speak French?
It is not necessary for you to speak French for your child to be successful in the French Immersion program. Our French programs are designed for children of non-French speaking parents.
What if English is not our first language?
Evidence indicates that English Language Learners enrolled in French Immersion perform as well as their Anglophone counterparts, and ELL students who come to French Immersion having already developed literacy in their home language often perform even better than Anglophone students (Canadian Council on Learning, 2007).
How can I support my child?
Parents can play an important role in ensuring their child’s success by:
- Showing an interest in their child’s progress.
- Encouraging and supporting their child’s efforts.
- Reading to their child regularly and listening to him/her read aloud.
- Finding ways to expose their child to French outside of school time.
- Listening to children’s music by French artists.
- Visiting French communities in Ontario and Quebec.
- Communicating your questions, suggestions, and concerns with teachers.
What if my child experiences difficulties in the Immersion Program?
Contact your child’s teachers who can suggest ways to support your child.