French Secondary Programs

A few years ago, your family made a decision to enrol your son or daughter in either our board's Extended French or French Immersion Programs. Now as your child transitions to Grade 9, please find information below regarding the French as a Second Language Secondary Programs.

Secondary schools offerings French Secondary Programs

We offer the Extended French and French Immersion programs at the following three Secondary schools:

• Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby
• Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax
• St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering

Courses offered

In High School, students are required to complete 30 credits to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Our French Secondary programs requires a student to complete 10 of the 30 credits in French. The chart below outlines the courses students are required to take in French to complete the programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I help my child understand the benefits of continuing to learn French until Secondary school graduation and beyond?

Children need to understand that it takes time to develop French-language skills (FSL). Like a novice athlete or musician, an FSL learner cannot master the required skills without instruction and practice over an extended period of time. Identifying bilingual role models can motivate children to continue their French studies.

Take time to discuss the benefits of having French-language skills with children when they are thinking about Secondary school course options, so that they can make decisions that do not limit their future opportunities. Parents and guardians can point out that there are organizations and companies, both in Canada and around the world, that require French-language skills.
Having a high level of proficiency in French can provide additional career opportunities.

Q. What should my child consider when choosing French courses at the Secondary level?

Grade 8 students should reflect on their strengths, interests and goals as they consider the course descriptions and expectations outlined in the Ontario curriculum documents. Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with their current elementary teacher and where possible, with Guidance or curriculum chair during school visits.

Q. Will my child receive a French certificate at graduation?

Your child will receive a French certificate at Grade 12 graduation. This certificate is NOT a bilingual certificate. The certificate will acknowledge the hours your child has spent studying French. Post-secondary institutions will know that your child was enrolled in either the Extended French or French Immersion program based on the course codes.

In Grade 12 Core French, Extended French and French Immersion students are given the opportunity to complete the DELF French Proficiency Exam.  The DELF proficiency exam is official proof of a student's French language skills.

Q. Where can I find information on Post-secondary opportunities to study in French?

Ontario colleges and universities offer courses in French for those students interested in continuing their education in French as a Second language. Students can search for French courses on the websites of Post-secondary institutions.

Registration for Secondary School

If your child is currently enrolled in our elementary Extended French or French Immersion program, a Guidance counsellor from will visit your child's school for course selection.

If your child is currently enrolled in Extend French or French Immersion, but attends a school outside of our Board, you can register online or visit the one of the school listed above.

Transportation is provided for our Extended French and French Immersion students if they reside within the busing zone and as per the busing guidelines.