At Maria Montessori School we recognize that understanding the world in which we live helps us become well-rounded people who are able to participate meaningfully and joyfully in everything we choose. Second language acquisition is one of the most important elements for providing this opportunity. We are fortunate that we can learn more about our nation and culture by studying French and as a result become fuller citizens of the world.

The French program at Maria Montessori School reflects many of the core principles essential to Montessori education. While focussing on listening and speaking at all levels, the learning activities are prepared in the same way as the other activities in the classroom and remain there for the students to select independently and practice in their regular working cycles. While they are modelled upon the units recommended in the Provincial Core French Curriculum Guide, the opportunities to extend and enrich them are limitless and often initiated by the students themselves. In the middle and upper elementary years reading and writing reinforce listening and speaking skills providing the foundation for the oral and written proficiency achieved at the end of grade 12. This knowledge can be called upon for purpose or pleasure at any subsequent point in life.

The enthusiasm and interest expressed by the students at Maria Montessori School is a pleasure to observe. They can be heard singing French songs as they make their way through the halls and they practice greetings and short phrases with each other and their directresses as they make their way through the school day. The interest expressed in Francophone culture and learning to speak French reflects both acceptance and the appreciation for other cultures and languages at Maria Montessori School.