MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 42
Late French Immersion Program Moving to Eric Langton Elementary

After careful consideration of both educational and space planning needs, the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows School District has made the decision to move the Late French Immersion program from Golden Ears Elementary to Eric Langton Elementary beginning in the 2026/27 school year.

Moving the program to Eric Langton will place students and teachers within a larger French Immersion community that includes more French-speaking educators, support staff, and a French-speaking principal. This richer environment will strengthen collaboration, peer learning, and the overall language experience for students.

The change also addresses growing space pressures at Golden Ears Elementary. The school is currently full and has a waitlist, while Eric Langton's new building will provide modern classrooms and room for future growth. This move helps balance enrolment across schools while supporting long-term planning for the district.

To support a smooth transition:

• The current group of Grade 6 Late French Immersion students will remain at Golden Ears Elementary to complete Grade 7 in the 2026/27 school year.
• Students currently in Grade 5 across the district who wish to enrol in the Late French Immersion program will begin the program at Eric Langton Elementary in September 2026.

More information about registration in the Late French Immersion program will be shared in the coming weeks on the Student Registration page. A list of frequently asked questions is available below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing? 
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the Late French Immersion program will move from Golden Ears Elementary to Eric Langton Elementary. This means that starting in September 2026, all new Grade 6 students entering the Late French Immersion program will attend Eric Langton. 
 
Why is the program moving? 
The decision to move the program was based on two key considerations: 

• Educational experience: Eric Langton has a strong and growing French Immersion community. Students and staff will benefit from being surrounded by more French-speaking teachers, support staff, and a French-speaking principal, creating a richer and more collaborative language environment. 
• School space and long-term planning: Golden Ears Elementary is currently at full capacity with a waitlist, while Eric Langton's new school building will provide modern facilities and available space. This move supports balanced enrolment and long-term sustainability across schools. 

When will the move take effect? 
The transition begins in September 2026. 

• Current Grade 6 students in Late French Immersion at Golden Ears will stay there to complete Grade 7 in 2026/27. 
• New students entering the Late French Immersion program (current Grade 5 students) will begin Grade 6 at Eric Langton in 2026/27. 

What grades does the Late French Immersion program include? 
The program serves students in Grades 6 and 7. Students begin French Immersion in Grade 6 after completing their early elementary years in the English program. 

How and when can families register for Late French Immersion at Eric Langton? 
Registration for Late French Immersion will take place through the district's online portal from January 23 to February 11, 2026. An in-person parent information session will be held at Eric Langton Elementary on February 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.