Halifax resident Jonathan Langdon finds himself in a familiar situation as history repeats itself in his family. Three years ago, Langdon’s daughter attended École Mer et Monde in south-end Halifax for Grade 9. To continue her French education in high school, she would have had to endure a long daily bus ride to École secondaire Mosaïque in Burnside, N.S. Eventually, she opted for French immersion at Citadel High in Halifax, where only part of the curriculum is taught in French.

Now, Langdon’s son, currently in Grade 9, is faced with the same dilemma. The prospect of a time-consuming commute across the bridge to Mosaïque and back is a significant factor influencing their decision, according to Langdon.

Recent statements from Michel Collette, the head of Nova Scotia’s francophone school board, highlighted how geographic constraints are preventing some students from accessing French education. In some cases, students would have to travel hundreds of kilometers daily to reach the nearest French school.

In the Halifax area, the absence of a French high school on the peninsula means students face lengthy commutes despite not covering significant distances. The closest French high schools to Halifax are Mosaïque and École secondaire du Sommet in Bedford, N.S., with respective student populations of 362 and 310.

While a new French school is under construction in Halifax and set to open in 2026, it will only accommodate up to Grade 9. Plans for a Conseil scolaire acadien provincial high school on the peninsula are yet to be finalized, although a renovation of Mer et Monde to offer high school programs is a priority for CSAP.

Angela Day, a parent with children at Mer et Monde, emphasized the importance of French education for her family. She stressed the need for a French high school in peninsular Halifax to ensure continuity in the French education system for students.

Day highlighted the convenience of renovating Mer et Monde for high school education due to its accessibility via public transit and proximity to universities. With the CSAP system experiencing growing enrollment, Day advocated for prioritizing the establishment of a French high school in peninsular Halifax to create inclusive educational opportunities for all.