Selkirk School started a District Early French Immersion track eight years ago and currently has 286 students from grades K-7.

The Vancouver School Board early French Immersion program accepts 5 and 6 year olds at the beginning of their formal schooling. The most common point of entry is Kindergarten. Students may enter in Grade 1 up to Sept. 30th if space is available.

Early and Late French immersion are programs intended for non-French speaking students who wish to develop a high level of proficiency in both official languages. Students enrolled in French immersion study the same BC curriculum as students in the English-language program. The major distinction between the English-language program and French Immersion is that the language of instruction and communication in the immersion component is French. The BC curriculum is instructed in French from Kindergarten to the end of Grade 3.

French Immersion is a program that can offer your child a fun, effective and challenging way to learn French at an early age, the opportunity to learn the same curriculum as the regular English program, in French; an opportunity to participate in rich French cultural learning experiences; a bilingual future. Generally the BC curriculum is instructed in French from Kindergarten to end of Grade 3. From Grades 4-7, 50-80% of the BC curriculum is taught in French. In Secondary School, from Grades 8-10, 50% of the BC curriculum is taught in French, in Grade 11, 25% of the curriculum is taught in French, and in Grade 12, at least 12.5% of the curriculum is taught in French.

Early French Immersion Application - Kindergarten

Please register at your English catchment school for Kindergarten then apply for the program online starting January 11 and ending January 31.

The Vancouver School Board has revised the Kindergarten application and registration procedures. The VSB website has complete information at https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5195

The application process for the Kindergarten French Immersion Program will be online beginning January 11. To apply, you will need your child’s Personal Education Number (PEN) which you will receive in early January IF you have registered for kindergarten at your English catchment school. A random computer draw will determine the successful applicants. Applicants will be notified as to placement in early February.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions

The next Early French Immersion Information Session is taking place on January 7th.