French Immersion Program

As an optional program, Saanich Schools also offer French Immersion. In this program, students whose mother tongue is not French are taught all or most of their subjects in French. The entry point into this program is Kindergarten and Grade 1 where space allows. The program is offered through Grade 12.

The main objective of the Saanich French Immersion Program is to provide students in French Immersion with an education equivalent to that which is available to other students in the District. Without compromising the students’ knowledge of the various subjects or their ability in English, students should acquire a high level of proficiency in spoken and written French and should, upon graduation, be functionally bilingual. Students are expected to be at a level in English Language Arts equivalent to students in the regular program by Grade 5.

Any child residing in the School District 63 (Saanich) may enter the Early French Immersion Programs. Out-of-district families are also accommodated when possible. Out of Area registration forms are available at the Board Office. Any student wishing to enter French Immersion after Grade 1 must be able to demonstrate Grade level competence through a District assessment.

Schools currently supporting the Saanich French Immersion Program:

Note for K-5: If students are in the Deep Cove, McTavish, or Sidney School catchment areas, they may register in French Immersion at Deep Cove Elementary. All other catchments areas attend Keating Elementary.