Choosing the right school for your child is one of those decisions that can keep parents up at night. If you’re considering Princess Elizabeth Public School in London, Ontario, you’re probably wondering what the real deal is beyond the official school board website.
Recent discussions among local parents have shed light on what it’s actually like to send your kid to this dual-track elementary school. From French Immersion programmes to the school’s diverse community, here’s what families are saying about Princess Elizabeth PS.
The French Immersion Experience
Princess Elizabeth operates as a dual-track school, meaning it houses both English and French Immersion programmes under one roof. According to educators familiar with the school, the French Immersion side tends to have a more positive reputation than the English stream.
For parents worried about navigating French Immersion without speaking the language themselves, there’s good news. All communication between the school and families happens in English, so you won’t be left deciphering homework notes in a language you don’t understand.
The French Immersion programme follows the Thames Valley District School Board’s standard structure. Kids entering Kindergarten actually start in English, with French Immersion beginning in Grade 1. This gentle transition helps little ones adjust to learning academics in their second language without being thrown in the deep end.
A Diverse and Multicultural Community
One of the standout features that parents consistently mention is the school’s diverse student population. Former staff members describe Princess Elizabeth as having a multicultural environment where kids from various backgrounds learn together.
This diversity appears to be particularly notable on the French Immersion side of the school, where families from different cultural backgrounds choose bilingual education for their children. The school’s welcoming atmosphere seems to be one of its stronger selling points for families looking for an inclusive environment.
Academic Quality and Teaching Standards
When it comes to academics, the picture becomes a bit more complex. The school serves a lower-income neighbourhood, which brings its own set of challenges that staff work to address. Some parents have noted that the volume of student needs can sometimes impact the overall learning environment.
However, there’s a notable difference between the two programmes within the school. The French Immersion side consistently receives more positive feedback from families, suggesting that the bilingual programme may offer a different academic experience than the English stream.
Alternative Options Worth Considering
For families specifically interested in French-language education, some parents suggest looking beyond the public school board entirely. École Élémentaire Catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, which serves the Francophone community, offers what some describe as superior French language instruction.
This Francophone school reportedly welcomes families regardless of whether parents speak French at home, with approximately 60% of students coming from English-speaking households. They even offer free French classes for parents who want to support their children’s bilingual journey.
The Neighbourhood Factor
Location matters when it comes to school choice, and Princess Elizabeth’s catchment area includes families zoned for both this school and Sir George Étienne Cartier Public School. Many parents find themselves comparing these two options when making their decision.
Local discussions suggest that families often choose Princess Elizabeth over Sir George Étienne Cartier, particularly for the French Immersion programme. The school’s location and the specific programmes it offers make it an attractive option for parents seeking bilingual education within the public system.