French Immersion Schools in Victoria

French Immersion Schools in Victoria, BC: A Local Parent's Guide

One of the many things I truly appreciate about living in Victoria is how many opportunities there are for our kids to learn French. Both of my children went through French immersion - first at Campus View Elementary and then both continuing on to Arbutus Global Middle School. It was a great experience for them, and I often recommend it to other families who are considering a move to Victoria.

I’ve created a detailed list of the public and private French immersion schools in Victoria, BC, from early years to high school so you can see what’s available and find the right fit for your family.

If you decide to pursure French Immersion for your children, it is very important to know that they will likely have a substantial wait list and enrollment is not guaranteed. Best practice is to apply ASAP and don't delay.

What is French Immersion?

French immersion is an educational program where students are taught primarily in French to help them become fluent in both of Canada’s official languages. Most students start in kindergarten or Grade 1 (Early Immersion), while some enter around Grade 6 (Late Immersion). It’s designed for kids who don’t speak French at home, just like mine and it opens the door to new cultures, travel, and future career opportunities.

Public Schools with French Immersion Programs

Greater Victoria School District (SD61)

SD61 is the main school district serving Victoria and offers both early and late French immersion programs:

Early French Immersion Elementary Schools (K–5):

• Campus View Elementary
• Doncaster Elementary
• George Jay Elementary
• Macauley Elementary
• Margaret Jenkins Elementary
• Marigold Elementary
• Quadra Elementary
• Sir James Douglas Elementary

Late French Immersion (Starting in Grade 6):

• Arbutus Global Middle School
• Central Middle School
• Lansdowne Middle School
• Shoreline Middle School

French Immersion Secondary Schools (Grades 9–12):

• Esquimalt High School
• Oak Bay High School
• Reynolds Secondary School
• Victoria High School

Saanich School District (SD63)

• Deep Cove Elementary
• Keating Elementary
• Sidney Elementary
• North Saanich Middle School
• Stelly’s Secondary School

Sooke School District (SD62)

• École John Stubbs Memorial School (K–8)
• Royal Bay Secondary School (9–12)

Francophone Schools (CSF)

If your family is French-speaking, or you’re looking for an environment that supports native French language education, you may want to consider a Francophone school.

• École Beausoleil
• École Victor-Brodeur

Private Schools Offering French

While many private schools don’t offer full immersion, some have strong French language programs as part of their curriculum:

• St. Margaret’s School – All-girls school offering French as part of its language program.
• St. Michaels University School (SMUS) – Offers French and other modern languages at advanced levels.

French immersion has been a fantastic experience for my kids, and I’ve met so many other families here in Victoria who feel the same. It’s not just about learning a second language, it’s about building confidence, broadening cultural understanding, and preparing our kids for a global future.

If you're moving to Victoria and wondering about schools, I can say with confidence that we’re lucky to have such strong French immersion programs here, both public and private. And if you're curious about a specific school or area, feel free to reach out - I’ve walked these halls, packed these lunches, and even helped out on a few field trips.

For more local insights about life in Victoria, check out the rest of the website Moving to Victoria BC.