The number of young Canadians enrolled in French immersion classes (outside of Quebec) has increased by a massive 59 percent since 2003-04. While those enrolled in immersion will reap the rewards of learning another language, some young Canadians are missing out on this opportunity due to pared-back offerings based on their geographic location.
In fact, just last year, one of Ontario’s largest school boards announced that it was planning to reduce French-language instruction for some grades from 80 percent to 50 percent, citing a shortage of teaching staff as a reason for the change.
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Learning a second language can boost kids’ confidence and improve their critical thinking skills and memory. It can heighten their ability to concentrate and hone their multi-tasking abilities. Being bilingual (or multilingual) will also provide many cultural and career opportunities later in life.
If your teen has expressed interest in attending a French immersion school, but you’ve been unable to secure a coveted space — due to your location or lack of available spaces at a school near you — seeking out an accredited virtual high school might be the answer.
If you have concerns about enrolling your child in a virtual school, here’s how eLearning can help teens eager to pursue an advantageous French immersion education.
You Can Learn from Anywhere in Canada
Platforms online that offer French Immersion Programs and core French courses are readily available. Unlike day schools, students are not restricted by geographical boundaries. For example, teens on the west coast who want to explore virtual learning in Ontario can take advantage of the province’s prestigious education system without having to relocate.
Teens Can Still Receive a First-Class Education
As with any brick-and-mortar school, you want to be sure that you choose a virtual high school that’s Ministry-inspected and consequentially boasts trained and certified teachers. Doing so ensures a top-tier education, where credits count toward a diploma and toward postsecondary applications.
Fortunately, accredited high schools are just as legitimate as traditional day schools. Courses end with proctored exams, and grades are sent to postsecondary processing centres when needed.
Virtual Learning Is Self-Paced for All Learners
Studying multiple subjects (such as science and mathematics) through the French immersion program comes with a range of understandable challenges. However, virtual high schools offer a self-paced, asynchronous approach to education, so students can take time to fully understand subjects and topics, speeding through the content that they grasp and dedicating more time to the areas that they don’t.
Narrated course content is always available for students to review as and when they like. Further, teachers are on-hand to respond to queries rapidly and to provide support and assistance along the way.
Takeaway
If you’re still debating the benefits for your child to pursue French immersion at a virtual high school, consider exploring core French courses online instead. That way, they can absorb the fundamentals of French and practice their skills before committing to the full immersion experience. Either way, they’ll be supported by top-tier instructors who will meet them at their own unique skill level.