OCSB’s 2026-2027 International Languages Programs
Language learning at the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) extends far beyond the classroom. Through the International & Indigenous Languages Program – Elementary and the International Languages Secondary Credit Program, students come together each Saturday to discover new languages, celebrate diverse cultures, and strengthen connections with communities around the world.
Whether students are maintaining a heritage language, exploring a new one, or earning high school credits, our language programs help them grow in confidence, empathy, and global citizenship.
International & Indigenous Languages Program – Elementary
Learning a language is about so much more than vocabulary. Through interactive lessons, music, storytelling, games, cultural celebrations, and collaborative activities, students develop language skills while discovering the traditions, histories, and perspectives that make each culture unique.
Who is This Program For?
Open to students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, regardless of school board affiliation, the program offers families the opportunity to preserve a home language, reconnect with their cultural heritage, or begin learning a new language in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Best of all, the program is free for Ontario residents.
Check out the eligibility requirements ›
Languages Offered
This school year, we are offering Akan, Amharic, Arabic, Blin, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Creole, Croatian, Dari, Dutch, Farsi, Hausa, Igbo, Inuktitut, Italian, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Korean, Kurdish, Lingala, Mandarin (Simplified, Traditional & Non-Native Speakers Conversation Class), Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Russian for Beginners/Non-Native Speakers, Shona, Slovak, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Yoruba.
When & Where
Dates: Saturdays from September 12, 2026, to June 19, 2027
Morning Classes: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (in-person & virtual)
Afternoon Classes: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (virtual only, beginner level, Grades 2 – 8)
Locations: Various OCSB schools across Ottawa
Check out the list of available locations and languages ›
Registration
Register by August 23, 2026, if you would like your child to start on the first day of classes! Registration remains open throughout the school year, although students must register before attending.
International Languages – Secondary Credit Program
Language learning can also help students prepare for future studies, careers, and global opportunities. Through the International Languages Secondary Credit Program, students in Grades 9–12 can earn up to three Ontario secondary school credits while developing valuable communication and intercultural skills.
Who is This Program For?
Classes are offered on Saturday mornings in both in-person and virtual formats, providing flexible options for busy students, and is also open to eligible adult learners looking to expand their language skills for personal or professional growth. The program is free for Ontario residents.
Check out the eligibility requirements ›
Languages Offered
This year’s program includes ASL (American Sign Language), Arabic, Farsi, Hungarian, Igbo, Italian, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified), Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Yoruba.
When & Where
Dates: Saturdays from September 19, 2026, to June 5, 2027
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Format: In-person & virtual options available
Check out the list of available locations and languages ›
Registration
Registration deadline is October 3, 2026.
