Any child residing in Burnaby may apply to enter the French Immersion program. French immersion provides an opportunity for children whose first language is not French to learn a second language. Other benefits include:

• Learning another language in elementary school makes it easier to learn additional languages in the future.
• Students graduating from a French Immersion program receive a bilingual designation on their secondary school diploma, which can enhance their employment and post-secondary learning opportunities.
• French Immersion students follow the regular English curriculum in structure and content, receiving instruction in French.

Facts About the District’s French Immersion Program

• Learning outcomes are the same in both English and French.
• Graduates of the program achieve a functional level in speaking French.
• Students are encouraged to develop an understanding and appreciation of French culture.
• Students can enter the French Immersion program in kindergarten (Early Immersion)
• or grade 6 (Late Immersion)
• All French Immersion schools in Burnaby are dual track schools which offer both a French Immersion and an English program.

Agreement with France creates opportunities for students in Burnaby Schools: Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it necessary for my child to know some French before enrolling?

No. Students are not required to have any background in French prior to entering either the Early or Late French Immersion program.

• Does it matter if no one at home speaks French?

No. The program is designed for non French-speaking families. All formal communication to parents, including report cards, is provided in English.

• Will my child read and write in English and French?

Pre-reading exercises in Kindergarten are in French. Reading and writing in French begins in Grade 1. Formal instruction in English Language Arts begins in Grade 4.

• Are there resources available if my child encounters difficulty in the program?

If teachers and parents are concerned about a child’s progress, support will be available in the French Immersion program.

• Will my child learn the same things as students in English classes?

Yes. The curriculum must follow the guidelines of the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Students work toward the same academic goals regardless of the language of instruction.

• How can I help my child with homework if I don’t speak French?

You may not be able to help with specific content, but you can still provide guidance and support.

Registration & Catchment Boundaries

Application into the French Immersion program is required. Registration takes place in February.

Feel free to contact your French Immersion catchment school that serves the area where you live. An application to the French Immersion program must be submitted online via the Online District Language Application Form during the month of February.

• Early immersion catchment boundaries. (Aubrey, Brantford, Inman/Cascade Heights, Marlborough, Seaforth, Sperling, and Westridge )
• Late immersion catchment boundaries (Armstrong, Capitol Hill, Marlborough)
• Secondary immersion catchment boundaries (Cariboo Hill, Moscrop and Alpha)

Early Immersion District Map (Elem)
Late Immersion District Map (Elem)
Secondary Immersion District Map

Application information

Starting February 1, 2021, applications for French Immersion Programs will be accepted through our online registration process. Students new to Burnaby Schools will first need to complete the Online Preliminary Registration for your child’s catchment school. Please visit our registration page for further details https://burnabyschools.ca/registration/

Once the Online Preliminary Registration is completed for your child’s catchment school, the Online District Language Program Application needs to be completed. Information about this application will be available February 1.