French Immersion

Louisiana’s French immersion programs represent the future of the language in the state. CODOFIL and the Louisiana Department of Education support the sustained growth of these programs by recruiting qualified French teachers and assisting interested communities that wish to establish an immersion program at their school.

36 5,500+

Schools in Louisiana

Students Enrolled

Benefits of French Immersion

Studying French in Louisiana is more than a continuation of the region’s linguistic heritage. Speaking a second language provides an edge in an increasingly globalized world.

High Scores on Testing

Research shows that children who study a second language early in life score higher on tests in reading and math, and have improved cognitive abilities.

Bilingual and Competative

In today’s globalized world, speaking a second language provides an edge, whether you’re applying to college or a job.

Continuing Local Traditions

French isn’t a foreign language in Louisiana—it’s been spoken in the region since the 17th century and is an integral part of the region’s culture.

Bring French Immersion to Your School in 4 Steps

You have the legal right to petition your school board to create a French immersion program thanks to Act 361 of the 2013 Legislative Session, which created a process for parents to ask their local school boards to create language immersion pathways if none are currently offered. If parents of at least 25 kindergarten-age children petition the local school board, it is obliged to provide your child with access to elementary education in the specified language. Here’s how you can petition your school board.

Step 1

Organize an informal meeting of interested parents of preschoolers entering kindergarten the following school year to discuss French immersion at your local school.

Step 2

On the Parent Petition form, collect at least 25 signatures from these parents whose children will be entering kindergarten the following school year. (Note that only parents or legal guardians of children can sign the petition).

Step 3

Submit the completed petition to your local school board by March 1 prior to the school year which the pathway is to be established.

Step 4

Notify the Louisiana Department of Education of your request by calling 877-453-2721. Department staff can also answer any questions you might have about this process and offer guidance by emailing Language.Acquisition@la.gov.