The Cree language has been the language of instruction in preschool and the first three years of elementary school since the early 1990s. In the remaining years of elementary school and in high school, classes are in English or French, depending on what the family chooses, except in Wemindji and Whapmagoostui where only English is offered. In 2001-2002, 36% of high school students were studying in French.

Despite the relative popularity of French in elementary school and high school, most Crees choose English programs at the college and university level. They have more difficulty succeeding in French programs.