Do you want your child to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and empathy for different perspectives? Discover why immersion is so much more than learning another language... and why families believe their child's future begins at FAIS: the longest-established language immersion in Portland, and the only school in Portland authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for preschool-8th grade.
Portland's longest-established language immersion school
The only IB School in Portland for Preschool-8th Grade
FAIS promotes appreciation of diverse cultures and
experiences through its Four Guiding Principles: develop global
citizens, foster multi-language ability, shape active learners, and
deliver academic excellence. Situated on a 15-acre, nature-filled
campus and home to a globally diverse community from more than 70
countries, this diverse learning environment provides students with
the lifelong skills to succeed in a global, interconnected world by
harnessing the benefits of the IB, French curriculum, and language
immersion.
Long-Term Benefits of Language Immersion
Language immersion is more than learning an additional language. It
uses language as a lens for understanding other cultures, providing
students with a global perspective through which (as the IB mission
articulates) "other people, with their differences, can also be
right." Beyond the academic benefits, language immersion also
enhances a number of cognitive, creative, and social abilities-
from focus, critical thinking, and problem solving to
open-mindedness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. By establishing
this foundation early in the Lower School (French immersion) and
building upon it in the Middle School (multiple language immersion
tracks), FAIS develops global citizens with core values to better
understand and navigate the world around them.
IB + French Immersion: Ages 2 1/2 - 5th Grade
With an emphasis on play-based inquiry and connection to nature,
the French American Lower School follows the IB Primary Years
Programme in a French immersion setting. The IB is used as a
framework for teaching the five pillars of the French curriculum:
language to think and communicate; methods and tools for learning;
personal development and citizenship; natural systems and
technology; and understanding the world. From early preschool for 2
1/2 year olds-through 5th grade, all teachers are native speakers
with Master`s degrees. They collaborate with specialists across all
subject areas to introduce children to a wide variety of
experiences to develop strong relationships with others; build
communication skills in both French and English; and prepare them
for more structured, systematic learning in middle
school.
IB + Multiple Language Tracks: 6th-8th Grade
Focusing on collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, the
Gilkey International Middle School follows the IB Middle Years
Programme in five different language tracks. Students with
high-level second-language skills enter immersion tracks in French,
German, Mandarin, or Spanish. Capable students who are not already
bilingual enter an English-focused track and begin a second
language of their choice. All middle school students learn a new
language from native-speaking teachers, who collaborate to deliver
one core curriculum in every language track (immersion track
students begin a third language!). After graduating from middle
school, students leave FAIS well-prepared for high school and
beyond with solid grounding in the traditional disciplines, the
ability to communicate in multiple languages, and an appreciation
for the diversity of world cultures.
Building for a Bold Future
FAIS is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the
Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), and is
authorized as an IB World School. Founded in 1979, it has grown to
become one of the three largest independent schools as well as the
longest-established and most-recognized language immersion school
in the Portland area. FAIS opened its new middle school building in
September 2019, with planning underway for continued campus
improvements. These key initiatives will help ensure students
continue to receive an unparalleled education in a state-of-the-art
learning environment well into the future.
When is the application deadline for French American International School?
The application deadline for French American International School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Grades: PK-12 | 269 students7.2 miles 5585 Sw 209th Ave Beaverton, OR 97007 (503) 259-1329
7.2
PK-12
269
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(8 reviews)
52/28/2020
Our son entered FAIS in 6th grade for Middle School and is currently a 7th grader. From the Open House we first attended and thereafter, we've been nothing but impressed. At the Open House, teachers were present and shared with us about their courses and teaching approach. They then got so excited talking to each other about how they collaborate on the IB curriculum they eventually had to be light-heartedly "shushed" so the presentations could continue! It was awesome. And we quickly saw the teachers truly walked their talk as our son went through 6th grade. The curriculum is challenging, global and engaging. Class sizes are small and the teachers really get to know your kid and support them. Administration is open and receptive and the school does a great job of providing opportunities for FAIS families to get to know each other. Our son is socially and academically engaged and loves being on the school soccer, basketball and track teams. He's happy. We parents are happy. We all wish it went through high school!
- Posted by Parent - Michele Cooper
512/9/2018
My husband and I feel so reassured that our children (enrolled in both elementary and middle school) are well prepared for future academic success. Nothing equals foreign language immersion taught by native speakers, within the IB framework, from Pre-School through Grade 8. Individuation and small group enquiry based learning permeate everything from PE to Music, Art, Language classes and Math and Science. The dedicated teaching staff definitely guide the students towards becoming passionate worldly life long learners!
- Posted by Parent - Stephanie
511/2/2018
Every time I'm on the school campus and see and hear about the projects that the kids have done, in all grades, I'm astounded. The way the teachers link the curriculum through all subjects including math, science, PE, English, French, music, art, etc... makes me wish I could attend school here. I feel lucky that my kids go to FAIS and I know they do too. They actually tell me how much they like their school on a regular basis!
- Posted by Parent - Erin
510/6/2018
FAIS has a great learning and social environment. Our son started in middle school (Gilkey) and is challenged by the IB program. The global community of students is also very positive for him. There are many extracurricular activities, sports, and social activities offered and the community is very welcoming. If you are looking for smaller class sizes, fantastic language program, and highly engaged teachers - FAIS is it.
- Posted by Parent - Pramela
510/6/2018
As a private school with a great student teacher ratio, this school isn't as expensive as others in its class. It also has a fantastic teacher retention history and they all are quite happy to stay and teach until they retire. My daughter graduated from both the lower school and the middle school and went on to get easy A's in public school. Now my son is loving being in classes that are small and well structured with no one getting out of hand to ruin the learning experience for every one else! Oh, and my daughter is fluent in French and Spanish as a result of attending the best language school in Oregon.
- Posted by Parent - Missing Montreal
58/12/2018
FAIS is an outstanding school in Portland. Our experience at the elementary school and middle school have been beyond our expectations. Our two boys have embarked on projects in GIS, the human body, architecture, art, theatre, climbing, and mathematics that have stimulated learning that has extended beyond the school environment. The teachers are excellent. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program empowers them to be well-rounded students of life. The community is welcoming and supportive.
- Posted by Parent - Angie
51/14/2017
Our daughter attended FAIS and Gilkey from fourth through eighth grades, coming from a French immersion school in Maryland. At FAIS the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program prepared her for the IB program at the International School of Geneva (ECOLINT), where she earned an IB Diploma with top grades. Her studies in French and Chinese at Gilkey paved the way for Spanish, Latin and Greek at ECOLINT and at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I would send her to FAIS/Gilkey again in a heartbeat.
- Posted by Parent - Martin
57/24/2015
This is an exceptional school that produces remarkably well-rounded students. My son is still in grade school, and can read and write English and French fluently. But perhaps less expected, the science program is stellar as well. My child surprised our pediatrician with his knowledge of how the human body works. All this without sacrificing art, music, or P.E. A really great school!
- Posted by Parent - janes
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