The Edmonton Catholic School Board has decided to keep J.H. Picard school open.

The board had been considering closing the school and the French immersion program.

There were three public meetings held to gather input on what to do with the school.

It was voted to put the school under a major modernization project, which will be part of the 2016 capital plan.

Representatives said it was strong community support that turned the tables.

"I think that the board of trustees went through a very thorough consultation process where a lot of good ideas were generate by the community and most importantly the community expressed their desire to keep J.H. Picard in the present location that its in," board chair Debbie Engel said.

Parents said they were happy with the decision.

"I definitely see us staying involved and working at staying involved," Angela Grundeau told CTV News.

J.H. Picard hosts 650 students.

With files from Kim Taylor