French Education

There are five French education programs available in Prince Edward Island:

• French First language
• Core French
• Early French Immersion
• Mid French Immersion
• Late French Immersion

French First Language

Under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Section 3 of the Prince Edward Island Education Act regulations (English version), parents living in the province have the right to enroll their children in a French‑language school if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The father or mother learned French as their first language and still understands it;
• The father or mother received their primary education in Canada in French as their first language;
• One of the children in the family has received or is currently receiving primary or secondary education in French in Canada.

Parents who meet any of these criteria and wish to register their children in a French‑language school should visit their local school to arrange a meeting with the school administration.

Can my child attend a French school if I don't meet this enrollment criteria?

Section 26 of the Prince Edward Island School Act allows the French Language School Board to admit students who do not meet the criteria outlined in Section 23. These admissions may be granted when they support the integrity of the French‑language education system and help maintain a full French‑language program.

Parents who fall into this category and wish to enroll their children in a French‑language school should visit their local school to arrange a meeting with the school administration.

Learn about the French First Language curriculum.

Six schools have a French First Language programs:

Core French

The Core French Program in Prince Edward Island is part of the public education curriculum.

• It is designed for students whose primary language of instruction is English (i.e., those not enrolled in French Immersion).
• Students begin Core French in Grade 4.
• The program is taught using a literacy-based approach.
• Instruction focuses on developing skills in:
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing
• There is a strong emphasis on communication and practical language use.
• Unlike French Immersion:
  • Core French is a dedicated language class, not used to teach other subjects.
  • Subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies are taught in English, not French.
• Core French is taught for a portion of the school day, not the full day.
• The program is mandatory from Grades 4 to 9.
• In high school (Grades 10–12), Core French becomes optional and is offered as an elective.

Early French Immersion

The Early French Immersion Program in Prince Edward Island is an option within the public school system.

• Students begin the program in Kindergarten and continue through Grade 12.
• French is the main language of instruction for most subjects in the early years.
• The program helps students develop strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both French and English over time.
• It is designed for students whose first language is not French.
• No prior knowledge of French is required to enroll or succeed in the program.
• The program is open to all students in the province.
• Students in French Immersion follow a curriculum similar to those in the English Program.
• Learn about the French Immersion Curriculum.

Fourteen schools have offer an Early French Immersion program:

Mid French Immersion

The Mid French Immersion Program in Prince Edward Island is an option within the public school system.

• Students transition into primarily French-language learning after starting school in English.
• The program begins in Grade 4 and continues through Grade 12.
• French is the main language of instruction for most subjects.
• Students develop strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both French and English over time.
• The program is designed for students whose first language is not French.
• No prior knowledge of French is required to succeed in the program.
• Provincially authorized Core French programming also begins in Grade 4.
• Gulf Shore offers students opportunities to learn some French before Grade 4.
• Early exposure in helps students successfully enter the Mid French Immersion program.
• The program is open to all students in the province.
• French Immersion students follow a curriculum similar to those in the English program.
• Learn about the French Immersion Curriculum.

One school has a Mid French Immersion program:

Late French Immersion

The Late French Immersion Program in Prince Edward Island is offered within the public school system.

• It allows students to transition from English to primarily French instruction starting in Grade 7 through Grade 12.
• French becomes the main language of instruction for most subjects.
• The program helps students build strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both French and English over time.
• It is designed for students whose first language is not French.
• Success in Elementary Core French programming can be a good indicator of whether or not the student would benefit from the Late French Immersion Program.
• The program is intended for students who are motivated and interested in learning in French.
• It is open to all students across the province.
• Students in French Immersion follow a curriculum similar to those in the English Program.
• Learn about the French Immersion Curriculum.

Five schools have a Late French Immersion program:

Who can I contact for more information?

Public Schools Branch
Toll-free: 1-800-280-7965

Stratford Office
234 Shakespeare Drive
Stratford, PE  C1B 2V8
Mailing address: PO Box 8600
Charlottetown PE  C1A 8V7
Tel: 902-368-6990
Fax: 902-368-6960

Summerside Office
250 Water Street,
Suite 201
Summerside, PE  C1N 1B6
Tel: 902-888-8400
Fax: 902-888-8449

La Commission scolaire de langue française
1596, route 124
Abram-Village, PE  C0B 2E0
Tel: 902-854-2975
Fax: 902-854-2981
Email: cslf@edu.pe.ca