Elementary French Programs

Choose the French Program That Fits Your Child. BHNCDSB offers two Elementary French programs: Core French and French Immersion. The difference between the two programs is the increased time allocation for French instructional minutes in French Immersion as well as the additional subjects that are taught in French. 

Students from both the Core French and the Extended French programs in High School can challenge the DELF proficiency exam. The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized certification of proficiency in French for those whose first language is not French. 

Core French (Grades 4–8)

Core French is available in every BHNCDSB elementary school. It provides steady, consistent French learning that helps students develop practical language skills they can use in real-life situations.Students learn French for 50 minutes a day, four days a week, for a total of 200 minutes weekly. 

French Immersion(Grades 1–8)

French Immersion is a more intensive option where students receive at least half of their instruction in French, building stronger fluency over time through meaningful daily use of the language.Students receive instruction in French for the following subjects: French Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education and Health and the Arts.  Subjects taught in English include Math, English Literacy, Religion and Family Life. 

For families considering French Immersion beginning in Grade 1, BHNCDSB offers early registration through an English Kindergarten classroom with a French Immersion pathway at a nearby dual-track school.

In Kindergarten, students will:

  • Follow the English Kindergarten program
  • Learn literacy and numeracy in English
  • Explore simple French words and expressions through songs and play

This option helps children (and families) feel confident stepping into French Immersion in Grade 1.

French Immersion Dual-Track Sites (Elementary) 

The French Immersion program starting in Grade 1 is offered at the following 5 dual-track schools: 

(School listings are now in alphabetical order) 

  • Madonna Della Libera (Brantford) 
  • Notre Dame (Caledonia) 
  • Sacred Heart (Paris) 
  • St. Joseph (Simcoe) 
  • St. Leo (Brantford)