Option-études Châteauguay is a unique 2-year program bringing together Grade 7 and 8 students from French and English schools to break down ethnolinguistic barriers and learn a second language through a common interest in sports and culture. Students spend half the year in a French school (Gabrielle-Roy) and the other half in an English school (Howard S. Billings).
Students follow the schedule of the school in which they are located. The academic pace is quick to allow for many activities –approximately two outings or activities per month. It is during these activities that students are encouraged to communicate with each other in their second language and thus overcome embarrassment and open up to others.
Option-études Châteauguay is a subsidized program in partnership between the New Frontiers School Board (NFSB – anglophone) and Grandes-Seigneuries School Service Center (CSSDGS – francophone).
Being a subsidized program, its continuation from one year to the next is always dependent on obtaining the grant. However, students who have started their Grade 7 school year in the Option-d’études programme are always assured of being able to continue their Grade 8 school year, notwithstanding the receipt of the grant.
14 students from the English sector and 14 more from the French sector are selected to be part of the programme, which represents approximately 25% to 50% of the number of applications.
Students must have an interest in sports and culture and must be ready to invest in their studies in order to keep up with the rapid pace in class.
Will open Monday, May 10, 2021.
To apply, students must fill the online application form (above) during the application period. In the online form, students will have to answer several open-ended questions. It will be these responses that will be analyzed during the selection process. There is no admission test nor report card required.
Detailed information on the application period and on the online application form is to come. This information will also be communicated by elementary schools to all parents of grade 6 students.
Each application is analyzed by the selection committee according to the responses written by each of the candidates in the online application form. The shortlisted applications are then sent to their grade 6 teacher for a second evaluation of their file. Finally, the combination of this first and second analysis is reviewed by the selection committee to establish the final selection of candidates.
Every year, we receive more applications than the number of spots available in the programme. Therefore, we hold a waiting list and, should a place become available, we offer it to the next applicant on the list. This list continues in Grade 8.
♦ Information to follow for 2021-2023