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Calgary French & International School

Early Childhood
19 Months to Kindergarten

A Foundation of Wonder and Wisdom

At Calgary French & International School, our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program welcomes children from 19 months through Kindergarten into a warm, play-based environment where curiosity is celebrated, language comes alive, and every child is known and nurtured. Rooted in research and enriched by French immersion, our IB Primary Years Programme lays a strong early academic foundation that fosters confident, capable learners who are eager to explore the world around them.

 

 

A Welcoming and Inclusive Community

In every classroom, our educators prioritize relationships, connection, and care. We meet each child where they are and support their unique growth journey. Our families are active participants in our community too—partnering with us to ensure that each student feels known, seen, and supported.

Join our upcoming June tour!

Come see our campus and culture for yourself—and discover why so many families choose CFIS.

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2024 Fraser Rankings    #1 FRENCH SCHOOL 
#2 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
IN ALBERTA

 

An Early Advantage

Our French immersion program begins at the very start of your child’s educational journey, giving our youngest students a head start in developing both cognitive and linguistic skills. They are nurtured in a safe, caring environment while benefiting from the full resources of our vibrant school community.

By developing fluency early on, our students are equipped with tools that enhance focus, creativity, and communication throughout their lives.

Early immersion benefits include:

  • Stronger neural pathway development supporting learning across all subject areas

  • Greater pattern recognition to aid comprehension of syntax and grammar

  • Improved cognitive flexibility, empathy, and problem-solving

  • Deeper cultural awareness and openness through multilingual and global exposure

 

The Science—and Magic—of Early Learning

Children’s brains are especially receptive to language and pattern recognition in their earliest years. That’s why our program begins at 19 months: the younger the learner, the greater the capacity to absorb and internalize a second (or third) language.

What Makes CFIS ECE Unique?

A World-Class Start with French Immersion + IB Framework

We are proud to be the only French immersion school in Alberta offering instruction in all subjects starting as early as 19 months. And, as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, our youngest students are introduced to the Primary Years Programme (PYP) beginning at age 3. This globally recognized framework encourages inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary connections, and holistic development—planting the seeds of international mindedness and lifelong curiosity. fgghjhjh

 

 

 CFIS IS THE ONLY FULL FRENCH IMMERSION IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME IN ALBERTA

Explore The World of ECE

 

A Play-Based, Child-Led Approach

Rooted in the latest research on early childhood development, our program follows a play-based, emergent curriculum model. That means our teachers thoughtfully observe, listen, and respond to each child, designing engaging experiences that reflect their interests while gently guiding them toward key developmental milestones.

Through this intentional approach, children:

  • Build confidence and self-efficacy

  • Develop critical social-emotional skills

  • Experience a sense of ownership and joy in their learning

  • Grow through meaningful exploration and hands-on discovery

  • Acquire the necessary foundation for long-term academic development

 

 

“Learning through play is not a break from learning—it is the way young children learn best.”

Grade Structure & Age Ranges

Designed for developmental stages, each program intentionally builds upon the last.
This progression fosters curiosity, language skills, social development, and a deepening sense of self.

Program age  OPTIONS
Junior Preschool 19 months to 3 years Full Day
Preschool 3 to 4 years Half-day Morning OR Full Day
Junior Kindergarten 4 to 5 years Half-day Morning OR Full Day
Kindergarten 5 to 6 years Full Day

Daily Experiences That Spark Joy and Growth

Our ECE students benefit from rich, age-appropriate experiences within our purposefully designed classrooms—and beyond. Though they are our littlest learners, they are full members of the CFIS community and participate in school-wide events, assemblies, and performances.

ECE Program Features:

  • Child-led play with room for imagination and exploration

  • Daily outdoor learning to develop sensory and motor skills

  • French language immersion through songs, rhymes, and daily interactions

  • Weekly music and movement sessions with our early childhood specialist

  • Library visits in our Elementary Learning Commons

  • Indoor gross motor space for movement, obstacle courses, and games

  • A pedagogy of care where learning is woven into warm, respectful daily routines

 

See our ECE Students in Action

FAQs: Early Learning, Language Development & Immersion

The IB PYP Path Starts Here!

IB Primary Years Programme (PS-KG)

  • Play-Based, Inquiry-Led: Fosters exploration and discovery through guided play.

  • Whole-Child Development: Supports social, emotional, physical, and ethical growth.

  • Concept-Based Learning: Builds understanding through identity, change, and connection.

 

Explore our IB PYP

 

IB Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5)

  • Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages curiosity and exploration.
  • Transdisciplinary Themes: Helps students connect learning across different subjects.
  • Holistic Development: Focuses on academic, social, and emotional growth.

 

Explore our IB PYP

 

To learn more about our Early Childhood experience, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@cfis.com 

Connect with Admissions