Ready for an adventure?
Open the door to enriched learning with Late French Immersion
What is French Immersion?
French Immersion is an inclusive program designed for students wishing to acquire French as an additional language. Learners are immersed in the French language in a diverse and engaging school environment.
French is acquired as a means of communication. At both École Cedardale and École Pauline Johnson French is the primary language of instruction. The French language is developed over time as learners move through their elementary and secondary school experience.
French Immersion learners share a sense of joy and connection, locally and globally, through unique cultural experiences. As French speakers, learners develop a deeper understanding of and pride in our Canadian identity.
Why French Immersion?
Research shows that learning additional languages improves students’ cognitive abilities. Through the French Immersion experience, learners will:
- develop French language skills;
- work with staff from diverse backgrounds;
- gain insight and understanding into French culture;
- acquire skills that could lead to increased opportunities using French (one of Canada’s two official languages) in the workplace;
- develop international mindedness;
- develop a strong sense of identity and connection to a tightly knit community.
What is Late French Immersion?
West Vancouver School’s unique single track Late French Immersion program at École Pauline Johnson offers students entering Grade 6 an enhanced learning opportunity. It is designed for students wishing to learn French in an immersive environment for the purpose of continuing their journey in a Secondary French Immersion program.
- No previous experience of the French language is necessary.
- Upon completion of Grade 7, Late Immersion students are guaranteed placement in the Secondary French Immersion program at Sentinel Secondary School.
For information about LFI, please contact the principal of École Pauline Johnson at (604) 981-1225. There is no late French Immersion at École Cedardale.
Late Immersion Admissions for 2025 – 2026
Registration for the 2025 – 2026 school year began at 8:00 am on October 15, 2024
Students who have successfully completed Grade 5 are eligible to apply for the Late French Immersion program in West Vancouver Schools. First priority will be given to students residing in West Vancouver.
Limited space available
Only one class of Grade 6 students new to French Immersion can be accommodated in WVS.
For students wishing to enter Grade 6 Late Immersion classes in September 2025, in-district applications will be accepted as of October 15, 2024. Out-of-district applications will be accepted as of January 15, 2025. Students are eligible to enter LFI until the end of Term One, space permitting.
There is no Late French Immersion at Ecole Cedardale.
To apply, please visit the How to Apply page.
All supporting documentation for Late French Immersion applications, including those from current WVS students, must be submitted at the time of application in order for the student to be considered for placement or added to a waitlist.
Do you have a child currently enrolled in Grade 5?
WVS offers the Late French Immersion program at École Pauline Johnson. Students are eligible to enter LFI until the end of Term One, space permitting. There is no Late French Immersion at Ecole Cedardale.
