La Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF)

Founded in 1990, the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF) represents French-language school boards in Canada outside the province of Quebec. It comprises 28 school boards located in nine provinces and three territories.

These school boards comprise more than 700 elementary and secondary schools that collectively serve some 174,000 students.

Our mission

The FNCSF plays a strategic role in influencing the future of French-language education delivered in francophone and Acadian minority communities.

Our role is to defend the interest of our members (school boards) therefore contributing to the vitality and sustainability of French-language schools.

Some of our actions include strengthening the national network of school boards through frequent communications and raising awareness with decision-makers on key issues related to French-language education.

As part of the implementation of its strategic plan 2015-2020 titled “Se définir pour agir”, the FNCSF undertook, with its members and partners, a reflection on the concepts that define French-language schools in minority settings. This document represents the culmination of said reflection and proposes a statement of principles on the concepts of SPECIFICITY, VITALITY AND ADDED VALUE of French-language schools.

The principles outlined in this document must be considered as ideals toward which strive individuals who wish to contribute to the blossoming of French-language schools and, consequently, to the sustainability of Francophone and Acadian communities (FACs). These principles therefore serve as reference points to guide the actions taken by French-language schools in minority settings in the exercise of their mandate.

Our vision

The Strategic Plan on French-language Education (SPFLE / PSELF) tackles four key-areas essential to pursue the enhancement of French-language education: early childhood, identity building, teaching and learning skills and immigration.

These four areas are rooted in the concept of the civic community school (CCS / ECC).

A CCS is an educational space fully rooted in the community yet open to the world. The CCS approach is designed to reach out to students, school staff, parents and all other partners. It promotes their political, economic and socio-cultural engagement in the Francophone community.

The CCS is founded on three pillars: success, engagement and an education continuum.  Please refer to the CCS/ECC and SPFLE / PSELF websites (French only) for more information.

French-language education

French-language education provided by our school boards includes daycare and early childhood education, kindergarten programs, as well as elementary and secondary education.

French-language education conveys and promotes Francophone culture. It enables students to thrive in a French environment.

Some of the benefits of completing one’s education in our system are:

  • Lifelong bilingualism
  • High number of graduates
  • Excellent employment prospects
  • Rich cultural environment

For more information, please go to https://elf-canada.ca/en/