Expression of Interest
You are invited to submit a 2026-2027 Late French Immersion program expression of interest starting on Monday, January 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. MT.
Watch for the expression of interest link on this page.
SD8 will accept expressions of interest starting at 9:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. MT on Monday, January 5, 2026 and ending at 4:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. MT on February 27, 2026.
You are also invited to attend a French Immersion Information night on Thursday, January 8 to learn more:
Creston - French Immersion Information Night - January 8, 2026
Nelson - French Immersion Information Night - January 8, 2026
After You Submit An Expression of Interest
A notice outlining next steps will be emailed after February 27, 2026 to all families who expressed interest in the program. SD8 will not call or send letters to notify families – all correspondence will be via email.
Expressions of Interest received after the closing date will be subject to AP 3101 - School/Program of Choice, Student Transfer, and Registration Process
For more information about expressions of interest or the French Immersion program itself, email Innovative Learning.
Program Overview
SD8 Schools Offering Late French Immersion
- Canyon-Lister Elementary School (Late FI with grade 5 entry)
Grades 5-7 - Trafalgar Middle School (Late FI with grade 6 entry) in Nelson
Grade 6-7 Intensive Late French Immersion Program
Grades 8-9 French Immersion - L.V. Rogers Secondary School
Grades 10-12 French Immersion
Students entering the late French Immersion program in grade 5 (Canyon-Lister) or grade 6 (Trafalgar Middle School) are welcome with any level of French language experience! They will quickly develop their oral capacity as this intensive 2 to 3 year program catches them up to follow French Immersion curriculum beginning in grade 8.
Creston Late French Immersion
All students who have completed grade 4 and are residents in School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) are eligible. The program is located at Canyon-Lister Elementary School for grades 5–7 as a multi-age language program. The current class size is up to 27 students. Priority for admission into the Creston program will be given to grade 5 students, though all students in grades 5-7 are eligible to apply.
Nelson Late French Immersion
All students who have completed grade 5 and are residents in School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) are eligible. The program is located at Trafalgar Middle School for grades 6–9 and continues for grades 10-12 at L.V. Rogers Secondary School.
The Late French Immersion Nelson and area program is geared toward students eligible to go into grade 6 at Trafalgar Middle School. For late entry to the Nelson and area French Immersion programs (grades 7 to 12), families must contact the applicable school principal.
French Immersion FAQ and Overview
French Immersion Program FAQ
Overview of Late French Immersion Program
Useful Links
Ministry of Education K-12 French Immersion Program
Canadian Parents for French Website
