Instruction in English
French is the first language of over 80 per cent of the population of Québec. The proportion of Quebeckers who say they know French is even higher, at 90 per cent. In addition to being the language of everyday life in most regions of Québec, French is the language of instruction.
The Charter of the French language states that all children must be educated in French until the end of their secondary studies, whether in a public school or a subsidized private school.
However, the Charter does provide for certain special cases where children are permitted to pursue their preschool, elementary and secondary school education in English at English-language public schools or subsidized private schools.
The Ministère de l’Education, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) processes applications for eligibility for instruction in English.
This section briefly describes:
- the main categories of children who are eligible for instruction in English at public schools or subsidized private schools
- the steps involved in having a child declared eligible for instruction in English
Further information is available from Québec schools and school boards that provide preschool, elementary school and secondary school education in English and from the Ministère de l’Education, du Loisir et du Sport office in charge of applications for certificates of eligibility for instruction in English (Bureau d’admissibilité à l’enseignement en anglais).
