French American International School
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Top Ranked OR School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 533 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,383
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
French American International School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:
School Overview
Student Body

Academics and Faculty
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Sports
Extracurriculars
School Notes
- 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does French American International School cost?
French American International School's tuition is approximately $20,383 for private students and $350 for summer students.
Does French American International School offer a summer program?
Yes, French American International School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does French American International School offer?
French American International School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is French American International School's ranking?
French American International School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
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 ).
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