This article examines the oral proficiency in French of students in core French, intensive French (IF), and post-IF to determine the effectiveness of these programs. Between 2003 and 2009, students in nine jurisdictions were assessed using the New Brunswick Middle School Scale (MSS). Students were tested prior to beginning IF (multiple grade levels in four jurisdictions), after completing the intensive portion of IF (Grades 4, 5, and 6 in nine jurisdictions), and at the end of the school year for those in post-IF (two jurisdictions). Students who had experienced only core French did not achieve spontaneous communication, while average MSS scores showed the IF students did. Post-IF students maintained and improved their oral proficiency. Reasons for the results are proposed. The article concludes with comments on the future of IF and the need for changes in the school system if linguistic duality is to become a reality.