The number of Flemish courses and conversation groups in the district of Dunkirk has increased from 12 in 2004 when the Institute of the Flemish Regional Language was created to 39 in the school year 2009-2010. Beginners and advanced learners can take one of the 21 courses provided by associations and municipalities in 15 communes. Primary school pupils from 6 communes may also attend one of the 12 existing Flemish classes (4 CE2, 4 CM1 and 4 CM2) in 3 state schools and 1 denominational school. The Institute of the Flemish Regional Language aims at promoting and developing those courses and conversation groups.