Family Engagement Night
Families are invited to attend a virtual Family Engagement Night via Zoom on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for Creston and 7:00 p.m. for Nelson. These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Late French Immersion program, ask questions and gain a better understanding of what to expect.
Expression of Interest
The expression of interest process for the 2027–2028 Late French Immersion program will begin on Monday, January 4, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. Families interested in enrolling their child in the program are invited to submit an expression of interest. The expression of interest form will be posted here when the process opens.
If you have any specific questions about the program, please contact the schools directly.
Creston French Immersion
Canyon Lister Elementary School
250-428-4161
Nelson French Immersion
Trafalgar Middle School
250-352-5591
L.V. Rogers Secondary School
250-352-5538
French Immersion Information Recordings
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 26, 2027 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
Student Perspective! Programme D'Immersion Français
Useful Links
Ministry of Education K-12 French Immersion Program
Canadian Parents for French Website
