Families & Caretakers
We’re here to help families & caretakers of children in the Anglophone sector
navigate and enhance their child’s French language learning journey.
Explore various support services, resources and opportunities that are available.
GNB FSL education:
New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, with 34% of its adult population being bilingual in English and French – the second-highest rate in the country. This bilingualism offers significant advantages on a global scale, as French is the third most used language in international business and the fifth most widely spoken language worldwide. Research consistently shows that learning a second language not only enhances academic performance and critical thinking but also fosters intercultural sensitivity and expands job opportunities.
To learn more about the different French Second Language (FSL) pathways in the Anglophone Sector please visit the official GNB FSL education website.
Quick-reference materials available:
Everyone at their Best: GNB FSL programs overview → video
Why learn French? → video
How can parents support their children in French second (or additional) language acquisition?
- Communicate positive messages about learning French to your child
- Read with your child in any language
- Watch French videos or media with your child
- Listen to French music or podcasts with your child
- Talk to your child about what is happening in school
- Maintain communication with your child’s teacher(s) and monitor progress
On this page you will find information on:
Advocacy groups & support services
Online resources & downloadable materials to support FSL learning at home
French summer programs, exchanges & leadership opportunities
Flexible French virtual learning options for high school
French cultural community events
(Select any topic above to navigate directly to it)
Advocacy groups and support services
Learning French is for everyone
This section highlights organizations that offer valuable inclusive services and support for children and families in New Brunswick. These resources can provide an added layer of support to help your child feel more confident and successful in their French language learning journey. Organizations such as Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick (PBENB), Canadian Parents for French (CPF), and the Learning Disability Association of New Brunswick (LDANB) also offer French tutoring services.
Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick
Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick is a non-profit organization committed to promoting bilingualism in New Brunswick. They strive to support families and provide opportunities for Anglophone students to learn and use French, as well as seek to strengthen rapprochement between linguistic communities.
PBENB offers French language camps at Snider Mountain Ranch, virtual French tutoring and other programs and opportunities to aid in FSL learning across New Brunswick.
info@pbenb.com
Canadian Parents for French
Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that furthers bilingualism by promoting opportunities to learn and use French. They offer various supports and opportunities, such as family movie nights, cultural experiences and virtual French tutoring.
Key downloadable resources from CPF and Quick links:
I’m Learning French! 10 Answers for Parents about French Immersion Growing up Bilingual/Multilingual
Member Resources – Canadian Parents for French
Inclusion NB
Inclusion NB offers personalized support and assistance to New Brunswick families who are caring for a child, youth, or adult with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Toll Free: 1-866-622-2548
info@inclusionnb.ca
For-Parents-Support-Students-With-Special-Education-Needs-in-French-as-a-Second-Language
Learning Disability Association of NB (LDANB)
Learning Disability Assocation of New Brunswick (LDANB) provides support for students with a learning disability. They also offer tutoring services for French Immersion students through Barton Tutoring Program: French Tutoring Program
(506) 459-7852
Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA)
In collaboration with their partners, APSEA provides accessible educational services and supports to children and youth who are blind or visually impaired and/or Deaf or hard of hearing and their families.
Autism Learning Partnership
The Autism Learning Partnership, is a branch of the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), who’s mission is to deliver to professionals and families high quality evidence-based training that promotes a common understanding of autism and skill development to help learners with autism reach their full potential.
Autism Learning Partnership (ALP) – Online Training Program – ALP
Neil Squire Society: Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) includes devices, equipment, media and services used by students with physical, cognitive, sensory, speech, learning or behavioural difficulties that allow them to actively engage in improving or maintaining their ability to meet learning outcomes and maximize their learning success. The Neil Squire AT Help Desk service provides another layer of support to families, and educators.
Toll-free: 1-855-450-3287
ta-atsupport@neilsquire.ca
New Brunswick Public Libraries
New Brunswick Public Libraries reflect and celebrates the unique qualities of the communities they serve and strive to offer services that meet their needs. Through varied services and programs, they keep people connected, learning, reading, playing, and creating in today’s ever-changing world.
Services include:
- Accessibility services and adaptive work stations
- Online Catalogue Home-Accueil online services, and books-by-mail services
- Free access to Rosetta Stone online language learning platform with NB library card
- Website
211 New Brunswick
This up-to-date, accessible, searchable database provides comprehensive access to information about social, community, health and government services in NB.
Online resources & downloadable materials to support FSL learning at home
Bilingualism is a journey!
3 levels of French language learning resources to support your child at home:
Your child’s French-language abilities – whether they are a beautiful beginner, an incredible intermediate, or an awesome advanced – are something to be celebrated. Nurturing those skills so your child can achieve their French second-language learning goals is part of the journey – and everyone is welcome along the way.
We encourage you to check with your child’s teacher to better understand their current stage in French language learning. This will help you choose resources that best support their progress and language development. Select the level and grade below that best represents your child to explore suggested resources tailored to their needs.
Getting Started
Beautiful Beginner (CEFR A1 to early A2) Learners are beginning to understand and use simple words and phrases. They can recognize familiar words in spoken language and express basic needs.
Building Skills
Incredible Intermediate (CEFR A2 to B1) Learners can participate in simple conversations, understand key points in everyday speech, and start expressing ideas.
Gaining Confidence
Awesome Advanced (CEFR B2+) Learners can understand and participate in more complex conversations on a variety of topics. They can express ideas, are becoming more independent in using French in real-life situations and can adapt their language to different contexts.
French summer programs, exchanges and leadership opportunities
Language learning comes to life through real experiences
This section features various experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom – such as French summer programs, cultural exchanges, work exchanges and youth leadership programs – that give students the chance to use French in meaningful and authentic ways. Many of these opportunities are free or low-cost and may even count toward high school credit.
Official Language Programs - ages 13+
Imagine learning or improving your French-speaking skills while making new friends and experiencing a different local culture and way of life in another part of Canada. That’s EXPLORE!
EXPLORE is an intensive, government-funded immersion programs offered during the spring and summer in exciting locations across the country. The sessions are taught at accredited institutions, and students live on campus or with local host families.
EXPLORE offers language-learning programs for participants 13 to 15 years old, and students who are 16 or older. It is inclusive and welcoming to varied language learning abilities!
**Upon completion of this program, high school students may apply to their school administration or guidance department to obtain a school credit**
Visit the Official Languages Programs website Official Languages Programs to find out more about Explore and other opportunities available for older participants.
Université de Moncton Summer French Programs for middle & high school
In partnership with l’Université de Moncton, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development offers 2 exciting French summer programs, that are open to all anglophone school district students at all levels of French.
High School – In-person Summer French Program
IMPACT is a four-week summer French program for students in grades 9 & 10. Students stay on campus and accommodations and meals are included.
Please view the 2025 brochure for more details
**Upon completion of this program, high school students may apply to their school administration or guidance department to obtain a school credit**
Middle School – Online Summer French Program
CONNECT is an online French program for middle school students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. The program offers 3 themed weeks, students can choose to register in one, two, or in all three weeks.
Please review the 2025 brochure for more details
New Brunswick-Quebec Exchange -open to grades 9-10
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is pleased to offer students who are currently in grades 9 and 10 the opportunity to apply for a two-month reciprocal exchange program with a Quebec student (participation occurs in grade 10 and 11).
Travel expenses for the student and a school district chaperone will be covered. Additionally, a $500 bursary will be given to selected participants to help cover additional costs incurred during the exchange program. This bursary will only be given to the selected participants following the completion of the exchange.
**Students who complete the full exchange, may be eligible to apply to their school administration orguidance department to receive school credits**
For more information – 2025-2026 online brochure
YMCA Emplois d’été – Summer Works for ages 16-17
The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a six-week program that offers youth ages 16-17 the opportunity to gain paid work experience, practise their second official language skills, and discover another community within Canada.
- Travel to an area of Canada where your second official language is spoken
- Work full-time in a community-based organization
- Stay with a host family
- Participate in program activities
- Become acquainted with your new community
- Make new friends and have fun
The program strives to be accessible and support youth of diverse cultures and beliefs, income levels, skills and interests.
Opening Doors with French: testimonial from a NB graduate – video
**Upon completion of this program, students may apply to their school administration or guidance department to obtain a school credit**
Check out their website for more details ymcagta.org
Bilingual Correspondents grades 7-12
The United Bilingual Correspondents program aims to connect French-speaking youth from across the country who share common interests. It is open to students in Grades 7-12, who want to meet bilingual Canadians from other provinces, enhance their language skills, or learn more about Canadian diversity!
Every year, French for the Future matches hundreds of candidates from across Canada at all levels!
You don’t have to be an expert in French to become a Bilingual Correspondent! This program is here to help you improve.
Program’s goals
- Create an environment that fosters improvement and practice of the French language
- Encourage the creation of connections between participants from 7th to 12th grades
- Develop an appreciation for the French language and Francophone cultures of Canada
- Raise awareness about the Canadian Francophonie’s diversity amongst French-speaking youth
- Promote open-minded thinking about the French language as a tool for personal expression
Register during the month of Sept → United Bilingual Correspondents – Speak French – Chat With French Speakers (french-future.org)
Learn more about all of the free programs offered by French for the Future – Français pour l’avenir – French for the Future programs
French for the Future Ambassador grades 10-11
Open to Grade 10 and 11 students, the National Ambassador Youth Forum (FNJA) brings together 35 students from across Canada, enrolled in French programs!
WHY BECOME A FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE AMBASSADOR?
Your mission as an ambassador is to promote the French language and official bilingualism in your school throughout the year following the FNJA by organizing activities related to French.
- Tap into your linguistic abilities and build confidence in French
- Start your leadership journey and learn to turn your project ideas into reality
- Connect with fellow francophones and francophiles nationwide!
Before you start your year as an ambassador, you will attend a free week of training in August!
Immerse yourself in a 6-day adventure in a dynamic week of workshops, activities, and unforgettable experiences centered around the significance of bilingualism. Travel, accommodation and all activities are free for participants. Before you start your year as an ambassador, you will attend a free week of training in August. The Forum not only equips you for your role as an ambassador but also provides a unique opportunity to foster connections and friendships with other participants.
Click here for more details about the program and how to apply
French Language Learning: digital resource for middle & high school students
New Digital Resource for Grades 7–12 students
This online tool is designed to support students in grades 7–12 on their personal French language learning journey. It features accessible information on inclusive experiential opportunities – such as summer programs, cultural and work exchanges, and leadership programs – along with practical ways to extend learning and useful digital tools to support language learning. The resource aims to encourage and empower students with greater autonomy to further develop their French skills based on individual needs and interest.
Use with mobile device for the best user experience: click here for the link
Flexible French virtual learning options for high school
The New Brunswick Virtual Learning Centre (NBVLC) offers high school students the opportunity to take a variety of online FSL courses. These courses provide flexible and interactive learning options that support different interests and needs. Students in the English Prime pathway who are deemed to be at the intermediate level by school personnel, may attempt any French course.
NBVLC FSL course offerings include:
Post-Intensive French 110 and 120, French as an Additional Language Essentials (A1.1) 110, Techniques de Communication Orale 120, Co-op Education 120, Intro to Environmental Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Law and Writing.
For more info visit: New Brunswick Virtual Learning Centre (NBVLC)
Contact Distance.Learning@nbed.nb.ca
French cultural community events
Bring French culture to life!
Throughout the province of New Brunswick many organizations actively promote the French language and culture by offering events open to the public. From festivals and concerts to workshops and community gatherings, these experiences provide meaningful ways for families and their children to engage with French outside the classroom.
Canadian Parent for French (CPF) is excited to invite your family to our Family Fun French Weekend happening this summer in Bouctouche, NB (August 8–10)! This weekend is designed especially for families with children in French Immersion (ages 6–13), but we also welcome younger and older children. It’s a perfect opportunity to practice French in a fun, immersive environment before heading back to school in September.
Spots are limited and tend to fill up quickly, the deadline for registration is June 30th.
Experience Acadian joie de vivre at the Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche with a free pass from your NB public library! Visit your public library from June 9 – 22 to get your pass, which you can use to gain a one-time entrance to the attraction on any day it is open between June 22 and August 31, 2025. The passes are available for a limited time. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
The FrenchStreet.ca® database is nationally developed and maintained by Canadian Parents for French (CPF). It is an effort to build awareness and understanding of Francophone culture through active participation in community activities all around us. French Street
From music and food to festivals and historical sites, New Brunswick is full of opportunities to experience Acadian culture firsthand. Visit Tourism New Brunswick’s Acadian Culture page to find family-friendly events and activities happening throughout the province.
ARCf works with all organizations in the region to improve French-language services and ensure the vitality of the Greater Saint John francophone community. ARCf de Saint-Jean
Carrefour communautaire Beausoleil’s mission is to promote the development and influence of the Miramichi region’s Acadian and Francophone communities. Carrefour Beausoleil
The Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne supports the Greater Fredericton Francophone community in its development, growth and influence. Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne