French Immersion

Welcome to French Immersion in Chinook's Edge!

You want the very best for your child - and so do we!

Chinook's Edge offers a well-established French Immersion program. This guide will help you decide if it's a good fit for your child.

What is French Immersion? 

French immersion is a form of bilingual education where students whose first language isn't French are instructed in French for a significant part of the school day. The goal is for students to become fluent in French while achieving regular academic curriculum goals.

What schools offer French Immersion programming in CESD? 

French Immersion programming takes place in the following three communities:

Sylvan Lake

• École Steffie Woima Elementary school: K-gr.6
• École Fox Run School: gr.7-8
• École HJ Cody High School: gr. 9-12

Innisfail

• École John Wilson Elementary: gr. 3-4

Olds

• École Olds Elementary School: k-gr. 4
• École Deer Meadow School: gr.5-8
• École Olds High School: gr. 9-12

What are the advantages of being in French Immersion?

• Exposure to a widely spoken language: French is a global language spoken by millions of people around the world. By being in immersion, you'll gain fluency and open doors to opportunities in many countries.

• Academic and cognitive benefits: Studies show that learning another language improves focus, memory, and overall academic performance. French immersion provides a strong foundation in both French and English.

  • For example: French Immersion Students in CESD take part in the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) in grades 8, 10 and 12 in order to recognized and validates their French language skills at different levels.

• Cultural immersion: French is the language of art, fashion, cuisine, and literature. French immersion allows you to experience these rich cultural aspects in a deeper way, and gain a better understanding of French-speaking countries.

  • For example: Students take part in travel opportunities and exchanges to Quebec and France every few years. 

Do the parents have to speak French?

No, parents do not need to speak French for their child to be in French Immersion. These programs are designed for children who don't speak French at home. The goal is for them to learn French through immersion in the language at school.

What will my child be learning?

French Immersion students follow the same Alberta curriculum as English students, with one key difference: the language of instruction.

• Core Subjects: All students in Alberta, regardless of program, learn the same core subjects like math, science, social studies, etc.
• French Immersion Difference: French Immersion students are taught these subjects in French. This means they develop fluency in French while learning the core curriculum.
• English Language Arts: Starting in grade 3, French Immersion students also have English Language Arts classes specifically to maintain and improve their English skills.

To learn more about our program or to ask any questions, visit the CESD French Immersion Brochure or contact our French Immersion Coordinator, Marie-Astrid Detharet (mdetharet@cesd73.ca).