OCDSB extending phase-out of middle French immersion program

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. (Tyler Fleming / CTV News Ottawa)

The provincially appointed supervisor for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) says a planned phase-out of the board’s middle French immersion program is being extended by two years, following consultations with parents.

The program is currently offered to students in Grades 4 to 8 at 33 OCDSB schools. The board’s former trustees approved the elimination of middle French immersion last year, prior to being replaced by a supervisor.

The direction to eliminate middle French immersion has been maintained since the province took over the school board. Students in Grade 3 would be able to register for middle French immersion next year, but students in Grades 1 and 2 would remain in core English or be enrolled in early French immersion.

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In an email to parents sent Monday, Supervisor Robert Plamondon said many parents expressed concern that phasing out the program would disadvantage younger students who had been planning to enrol.

“Parents shared thoughtful and constructive alternatives, which I reviewed carefully with board staff,” Plamondon wrote.

In the email, Plamondon said the phase-out of middle French immersion would be extended by two years, allowing students who are currently in Grades 1 or 2 to enrol when they reach Grade 4 and continue with the program through Grade 8. The final year for intake in middle French immersion will now be September 2028.

Plamondon added there is no plan to remove middle French immersion from any school where it is currently offered if “viable cohorts can be maintained.” Plamondon’s note says that middle French immersion represents approximately four per cent of the OCDSB’s elementary student population and the program has declined by more than 25 per cent over the past five years.

He also said that the OCDSB will offer more flexible entry points for early French immersion starting in September 2026, and upcoming accommodation reviews to expand early French immersion will, where possible, prioritize schools where middle French immersion is being phased out.

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Parents and caregivers can expect more information from their respective schools on Friday, Plamondon wrote.

“I am grateful to the parents who took the time to share their concerns and ideas. Your engagement has directly informed this revised approach, and I appreciate your continued partnership as we work to support student learning and well-being,” he said.