French for English-Language Schools


Students have tremendous advantages when they speak more than one language. Learning another language:

  • strengthens students' problem-solving, reasoning and creative thinking skills
  • develops their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

What are the requirements?

Because French is one of Canada's two official languages, students in Ontario's publicly funded English-language schools are required to:

  • study French from Grades 4 to 8, and
  • earn at least one credit in French in secondary school to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

What are the options?

There are three French as a Second Language (FSL) programs in Ontario schools:

  • Core French – students are taught French as a subject. The program helps students develop a basic usable command of the language.
  • Extended French – students are taught French as a subject and French serves as the language of instruction in at least one other subject, such as math.  At least 25 per cent of all instruction is provided in French.
  • French Immersion – students are taught French as a subject and French serves as the language of instruction in three or more other subjects, such as math.  At least 50 per cent of all instruction is provided in French.

The three FSL programs provide students with different levels of intensity in developing their French-language knowledge and skills.  The programs also help students develop an appreciation of the language and French culture in Canada and the world.

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