WRDSB Changes French Immersion Registration Rules for Siblings

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has announced significant changes to its French Immersion registration process. Starting from the 2026-27 school year, siblings of students already enrolled in the program will no longer receive priority during registration. This decision aims to enhance accessibility for all families interested in French language education.

In a statement, the WRDSB acknowledged that the previous system allowed more than half of the available spaces in Grade 2 French Immersion to be filled through sibling priority placements. This shift is designed to create a more equitable registration process. “The updated eligibility criteria levels the playing field, making the process more fair and transparent for all,” the board stated.

The change arises from feedback received from families who felt excluded from the registration process, particularly those applying for the first time. The WRDSB expressed understanding for the concerns of parents and caregivers, noting that siblings may still be placed in the same French Immersion program, although this is no longer guaranteed. If a sibling is not admitted to the French Immersion program at the same school, families will still have the option to enrol them in the core French program at that school.

Impact on Current and Future Students

Despite the alterations to sibling priority, the WRDSB confirmed that school and boundary priorities will remain intact. Children already attending a school where the French Immersion program is offered, or residing within the school’s boundary, will still receive priority for a spot in the program.

Applications for the French Immersion program typically open in January, and the board anticipates that these changes will affect many families seeking to apply in the upcoming years. The WRDSB reiterated its commitment to making French learning accessible and fair for all families in the region.

The decision marks a pivotal moment for the WRDSB as it seeks to address concerns and foster a more inclusive environment for language education. As the board moves forward with these changes, it will be essential to monitor their impact on student enrolment and community response.