French Second Language Education (FSL) HomePrograms and ServicesFrench Second Language New Brunswick has two language programs: English Prime and French Immersion. All students are enrolled in the English Prime program in Kindergarten. Families have the opportunity to enter French Immersion in later years or to remain in English Prime. French-speaking or bilingual students cannot enter the French Immersion program in English language schools. (As per Provincial Policy 321, Admission Based on Language). French Immersion program French Immersion is for students who wish to develop a high degree of proficiency by being immersed in French language instruction. Entry points There are two entry points into the French Immersion program: Grade 1 – Early French Immersion Grade 6 – Late French Immersion In some instances, late registrations and transfers are accepted into the French Immersion program. Information sessions Each year, families of students in Kindergarten and Grade 5 will receive an invitation from their school to a virtual information session. During this session, parents have the opportunity to ask questions before selecting a program for the upcoming year. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) has more information to help families decide which program is right for their child. Registration There is a registration period each spring for families of students in Kindergarten and Grade 5 to enroll in French Immersion for the upcoming school year. Families will be notified when the online registration is active. Students who wish to remain in English Prime do not need to register. Register English Prime program In this program, daily instruction is in English, with classes or other opportunities to learn French provided during the week. In Grade 5, students participate in Intensive French, either during the first or second half of the school year, where French language instruction is more frequent and concentrated. During the Grade 5 Intensive French term, 60% of the time is spent in French language instruction. Frequently asked questions What if families cannot speak French?There is no expectation that families of learners in any of the program options must be able to speak French. All program options are designed for children whose first language is not French. How will my child learn to read in English if they take Early French Immersion? English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 3. However, many of the skills acquired through French literacy are transferable. Coordination between French and English Language Arts supports literacy development in both languages. My child is struggling in French. Is support available? French Immersion is an option for all learners. Teachers are able to support struggling learners with classroom interventions. Will my child’s English language skills suffer in French immersion?Research shows that students in French immersion programs achieve the same levels of competence in English as students in English-only programs. This has been found for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Immersion students usually catch up to their peers in the English program quickly because many of the literacy skills are transferable between languages. Do I have to register my child for Intensive French in Grade 5? All students registered in the English Prime program will take Intensive French for 5 months in Grade 5. Intensive French uses a literacy-based approach to develop students’ capacity to speak, read, and write in French. Will I have to re-register my child in French Immersion when they enter high school? Once your child is enrolled in French Immersion or English Prime they remain in the program until graduation from high school. Policy 352 – Exemption or transferSupport your child in FSL