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French Immersion Application



French Immersion at James Thomson

James Thomson Elementary is a culturally rich, community orientated school, and home to qathet School District's only Early French Immersion program. French Immersion is an educational program that provides students, whose first language is not French, the opportunity to become bilingual. 

This is achieved by instruction of BC Ministry of Education curriculum in French from grades K-3, with English Language Arts beginning in grade 4 and gradually increasing. While this means that French Immersion students may be reading English later than their peers in a standard English program, the process of learning to read and write in English proves easier because of transferable learning skills. Research demonstrates that students who successfully complete a French Immersion program attain functional bilingualism while doing as well as, or better than, their monolingual peers in the content areas of curriculum, including English Language Arts.

The French Immersion program functions as an integrated learning stream, so students still participate in all school-based activities, field trips, and events. Also, given the breadth of programming, community engagement, and resources that qathet School District offers across the region, students will have a plethora of opportunities within reach in addition to learning a new language.

Parents/guardians do not need to speak French for their child to be successful in the program. Involvement in a child's learning can take many forms. Parents/guardians can encourage their child to learn French by reinforcing the value of learning a second language and providing opportunities to hear, read and speak French in other situations (listening to French music, reading French books, eating at a French restaurant, going on a student exchange to Quebec, etc.). Ongoing parent-teacher communication (in English) and collaboration are key elements of French Immersion. As well, there will be various resources available for homework support, language support, and general involvement – including parent groups, online help, and local evening French classes for adults. 

Choosing French Immersion for your child is a great way to explore their potential, while providing them with a valuable advantage in today's increasing globalized economy.

Application & Registration

Online applications to enrol in the Kindergarten French Immersion Program for the 2024/2025 school year are NOW OPEN. Priority will be given to those who apply before February 23rd, 2024; however, we welcome families to apply at any time throughout the year, contingent upon space availability.

Click here for the qathet School District Online Registration Link


Once the application process closes for those who applied prior to February 23rd, the remaining available spaces will be filled using the following procedure:

  • Siblings of students who are already enrolled in French immersion for September 2023 will have the priority for a space. Note that parents must apply for a space for a sibling using the steps outlined above by the deadline of February 23rd.
  • Once the sibling spaces are confirmed, the remaining spaces available in the program will be filled by a random lottery draw.
  • Should an opening occur once all the available seats have been allocated, it will be offered to parents on the waitlist in priority order.
  • Kindergarten registration for the French Immersion program & regular kindergarten stream must be complete by March 31, 2024

Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible after the draw to determine if their child has been accepted into the French Immersion Program.

What is Early French Immersion?

The Program in qathet School District at James Thomson begins in Kindergarten and continues through Grade 12. Although entry is recommended at the Kindergarten level for Early Immersion, it is possible for a student to enrol at the beginning of Grade 1 if there are places available. In Kindergarten, English may be used at the outset to establish routines. After this, English is used only if necessary in exceptional circumstances, as instruction takes place in French. Early Immersion provides students the opportunity to transition to French Immersion in Brooks Secondary School for Grades 8-12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary for my child to know some French before enrolling?

No. Students are not required to have any background in French prior to entering either the Early or Late French Immersion program.

How much French instruction will there be?

In K - Grade 3 it is 100 % French Language instruction. Grades 4-7 it is 80% French, 20% English. At secondary school it is suggested that it be 50-75% French for Grades 8-10 and a minimum 25% for Grades 11 and 12.

Does it matter if no one at home speaks French?

No. The program is designed for non French-speaking families. All formal communication to parents, including report cards, is provided in English.

Will my child read and write in English and French?

Pre-reading exercises in Kindergarten are in French. Reading and writing in French begins in Grade 1. Formal instruction in English Language Arts begins in Grade 4.

Are there resources available if my child encounters difficulty in the program?

If teachers and parents are concerned about a child’s progress, support will be available in the French Immersion program.

Will my child learn the same things as students in English classes?

Yes. The curriculum must follow the guidelines of the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Students work toward the same academic goals regardless of the language of instruction.

How can I help my child with homework if I don’t speak French?

You may not be able to help with specific content, but you can still provide guidance and support.


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