(Hamilton, Canada) - Families seeking Grade 1 French immersion at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for 2027–28 have until November 27 to apply online. Applications opened October 27.

The intake is for current Senior Kindergarten students born in 2021. The board accepts applications through the form linked on its French immersion page.

HWDSB says placement uses a lottery. It guarantees a place in the program, but families are not guaranteed their nearest neighbourhood school. School boundaries, available spaces, sibling placement and the balance of English and immersion enrolment help determine locations.

Families have until January 8, 2027, to accept or decline their application outcome. A separate late-application form is scheduled to open April 1.

The board says French instructional time and subjects for 2027–28 remain under review, with an update expected in spring. Parents do not need to speak French for their children to enter the program.

Sources: HWDSB’s current program and application guidance; Pauline Johnson Elementary’s October 6 notice. Program details checked October 29.

Editorial illustration of language-learning materials; not a photograph of an HWDSB classroom.