Halifax resident Jonathan Langdon is experiencing a familiar situation as his son, currently in Grade 9, faces a decision similar to what his daughter encountered three years ago. Back then, Langdon’s daughter attended École Mer et Monde in south-end Halifax but had to travel daily across Halifax harbour to attend high school at École secondaire Mosaïque in Burnside, N.S., to continue her education in French.
Due to the lengthy commute and traffic congestion, Langdon’s daughter ended up opting for French immersion at Citadel High in Halifax, where only part of the curriculum was taught in French. Now, Langdon’s son is confronted with the same dilemma.
Michel Collette, the head of Nova Scotia’s francophone school board, highlighted the geographical challenges faced by some students in accessing French education. He noted that some students would have to travel hundreds of kilometers each day to reach the nearest French school, emphasizing the need for closer educational options.
The absence of a French high school in peninsular Halifax poses a significant barrier, leading to prolonged commutes for students seeking French education. Currently, the nearest French high schools to Halifax are Mosaïque and École secondaire du Sommet in Bedford, N.S., with substantial student enrollments.
While a new French school is under construction in Halifax, set to open in 2026 and replace École Mer et Monde, it will only offer education up to Grade 9. Plans for a Conseil scolaire acadien provincial high school on the peninsula remain uncertain, though a renovation at Mer et Monde to accommodate a high school program is being considered.
Residents, like Angela Day, emphasize the importance of French education for their children and advocate for accessible options. With growing enrollment in the CSAP system, there is a call for a French high school in peninsular Halifax to provide a comprehensive French educational pathway.
Day and other parents stress the need for proximity and efficient transportation to ensure students can pursue their education in French without facing extensive commutes. The community looks towards prioritizing educational infrastructure to create inclusive and livable environments for all residents.
