WRDSB Alters French Immersion Registration Rules for Fair Access

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has announced a significant change in its French Immersion program registration process. Siblings of students already enrolled in the program will no longer receive priority during the placement process. This new policy aims to enhance accessibility for all families wishing to enroll their children in French Immersion.

Beginning with applications for the 2026-27 school year, the WRDSB stated that the shift will impact families applying for the program for the first time. In a press release, the board noted that in some schools, over half of the available spots for Grade 2 French Immersion were filled through sibling priority placements. The WRDSB asserted that the updated eligibility criteria will create a more equitable and transparent registration process.

Families have expressed concerns about feeling excluded during the registration process, particularly those applying for the first time. The WRDSB acknowledged these sentiments, stating, “We understand that this change may be disappointing for some parents, families, and caregivers who hope to have siblings in French Immersion.” While siblings may still be placed at the same school in the French Immersion program, this outcome is no longer guaranteed. Should a sibling not secure a place in the same school, families can opt for the core French program at that school.

Despite this change regarding sibling placements, the WRDSB will maintain existing priorities related to school attendance and boundaries. If a child currently attends a school that offers the French Immersion program or resides within that school’s boundary, they will still receive priority for placement in the program.

Applications for the French Immersion program typically open in January, and the WRDSB anticipates that these changes will lead to a more inclusive environment for all students seeking to engage in French language education.