Foothills School Division Celebrates the Engagement, Support, and Success of French Immersion Programming

Foothills School Division (FSD) is thrilled to share the remarkable achievements and benefits of our French Immersion program, which has grown since its inception in 2001. This program has consistently equipped students with exceptional opportunities to become fluent in French while excelling academically and personally.

Students engaged in the French Immersion program develop superior listening and learning skills, which translate into advanced educational and career opportunities. Graduates gain a competitive edge in job markets across Canada and internationally, opening doors to global possibilities. The immersion in the French language enhances cognitive abilities, fosters flexible and creative thinking, and strengthens problem-solving skills. Students not only achieve fluency in French but also experience improved English literacy skills, making it easier to learn additional languages. This broadens their cultural horizons through access to diverse literature, art, music, and theatre.

At the heart of our purpose is placing education at the centre of a flourishing community. FSD remains dedicated to engaging students, staff, parents, and the community in the growth and success of our French Immersion program. We promote leadership opportunities, celebrate student achievements, and foster partnerships, such as the French Exchange program. Recently, FSD hosted 15 students from the Nancy-Metz region of France in an English exchange program. In Spring 2025, 11 of our students will reciprocate by traveling to France to experience French culture and schooling.

French Immersion students also participate in francophone activities, including the French for the Future Conference, Carnaval and le Jour de la Francophonie Days, Manie Musicale, Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF), and Eurostudy (International Field Trip). These activities further enrich their educational experiences.

Eurostudy Trip 2024

Feedback from the FSD community has been overwhelmingly positive. One parent shared, "The encouragement to work hard and do their best that my child receives, along with the compassion and understanding from teachers about their learning needs, has helped them be successful." A current student remarked, "The French program at Highwood High School is very good. It allows us to speak another language fluently, which helps us in our future."

We are immensely proud of the successes and benefits our French Immersion programming provides. We look forward to continuing the engagement, support, and success of our students. Enrollment in French Immersion as an early learner can begin in Kindergarten or Grade 1 at École Percy Pegler School in Okotoks or at École Joe Clark School in High River. Students currently enrolled in a French Immersion program with another school board can transfer to our FI program and take advantage of the variety of additional athletic, career, and academic opportunities FSD offers.

French Immersion is available at the following schools:

• Okotoks: École Percy Pegler (K-6), École Okotoks Junior High (7-9), École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School | Alberta High School of Fine Arts (10-12)
• High River: École Joe Clark (K-5), École Senator Riley Middle School (6-8), École Secondaire Highwood High School (9-12)

For more information about French Immersion at FSD, please visit our website.