French second language education

Find the right French learning pathway to help your child excel in Canada’s official second language.

Overview

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province. It ranks second in Canada with 34% of adults being bilingual in English and French. This presents many advantages on a global scale. French is the third most used global business language and the fifth most widely spoken language worldwide.

Research shows that learning a second language improves academic achievement, intercultural sensitivity, critical thinking and job opportunities.

Learning pathways

The English Prime pathway refers to an educational program where instruction is primarily provided in English, and students learn French as a second language through French courses and French learning experiences. 

  • French Learning Experiences refers to a component of the English Prime pathway that integrates French language and culture into all subjects for students in kindergarten to Grade 3.

The French Immersion pathway refers to an education program where instruction is primarily provided in French. Enrolment into the pathway happens in either Grade 1 or Grade 6. Students in the French immersion pathway learn French as a second language primarily through their classes and French Immersion Language Arts. 

  • Early French Immersion — Students begin their French learning journey in Grade 1, allowing them to develop strong language skills over time. 
  • Late French Immersion — Students enter this pathway in Grade 6 and acquire the language through intensive instruction in language arts and other subjects taught in French. 

Both Early and Late French Immersion pathways provide students with opportunities to learn French by using it as the language of instruction across various subjects. They support learners in developing proficiency in French while meeting curricular outcomes. 

French immersion is a proven and successful way to produce functional bilingualism for learners. In 2022-23, 99% of all French immersion learners in New Brunswick achieved an oral proficiency level of intermediate (B1 – Independent User) or above at the end of the program. Intermediate is considered a conversational level of French. 

Parents and guardians do not need proficiency in French for their child to enroll in the program. Teachers provide ways to reinforce language learning at home. Students with strong first language skills develop strong second language skills. 

All French language pathways are aligned with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the New Brunswick Holistic curriculum framework:

French immersion availability

No matter where you live in New Brunswick, French second language pathways are available.

Learn more about French language programs by school district:

Family support

Centre of Excellence for Language Learning — The Centre of Excellence for Language Learning gives parents and caregivers access activities, tips and resources to help their child learn French.

Parents For Bilingual Education — Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick is a non-profit organization committed to promoting bilingualism in New Brunswick by creating opportunities for Anglophone students to learn and use French.

Canadian Parents for French | New Brunswick — Canadian Parents for French is an organization dedicated to furthering bilingualism in Canada.

Summer Work Student Exchange — The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange is a six-week program that offers youth ages 16-17 the opportunity to gain paid work experience, practice their second official language skills and discover another community within Canada. 

Official Languages Programs OLP-PLO | Government-Funded Language Programs — Learn or improve your French-speaking skills while experiencing a different culture in another part of Canada.