Waterloo School Board Revamps French Immersion Policy for Siblings

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is implementing significant changes to its French immersion placement policy, which will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 application cycle. Previously, applicants with siblings already enrolled in the program received priority placement, a practice that limited opportunities for first-time applicants.

In a media release, the WRDSB explained that this approach resulted in more than half of the available spaces for Grade 2 French immersion being filled through sibling priority placement in some schools. The board stated, “The updated eligibility criteria levels the playing field, making the process more fair and transparent for all.”

New Lottery System to Determine Placement

Beginning in January 2026, the WRDSB will utilize a lottery system to select students for the French immersion program. This decision, described as “data-driven,” reflects the feedback received from families and educational institutions across the region.

The board acknowledged that the new policy may be disappointing for some parents and caregivers who hoped to have siblings enrolled in the same French immersion program. While siblings may still be placed in the program at the same school, this is no longer guaranteed. If a student is not accepted into the French immersion program alongside their sibling, families will still have the option for them to attend the core French program at the same school.

The WRDSB’s move aims to enhance fairness in the application process, ensuring that all families have equal opportunities to access the French immersion program. The board encourages all interested families to prepare for the upcoming application period in January 2026, as the changes are set to transform how students are placed in this popular educational track.

As the WRDSB continues to refine its educational policies, it remains committed to providing equitable opportunities for all students in the region.