Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Child's Global Education Starts Here
Founded in 1979, we are Oregon's oldest language-immersion school and the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorized for preschool through 8th grade in Portland. Our 15-acre wooded campus provides a nurturing environment where students develop global competencies through inquiry-based learning and multilingual education. With an average teacher tenure of 11 years, our faculty combines deep subject expertise with cultural fluency to prepare students for academic and personal success. As a leader in language immersion education, we offer programs in five languages and maintain rigorous academic standards aligned with IB frameworks.Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our community representing 40 countries and 50 languages, fostering cross-cultural understanding from early childhood through middle school. Through strategic campus expansion and innovative programming, we continue to strengthen our position as a regional leader in international education while maintaining our core mission of developing globally-minded citizens.
Services
Language Immersion Programs
International Baccalaureate Curriculum
Early Childhood Education
Middle School Programs
Extended Learning Programs
Admissions Consulting
Financial Aid Services
Campus Tours
Parent Engagement Programs
Alumni Support Services
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Portland's oldest language-immersion school since 1979
- Only IB-authorized school for preschool-8th grade in Portland
- Average teacher tenure of 11 years with specialized language training
- Five language tracks including French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish
- 15-acre campus with dedicated facilities for early childhood education
Associations and certifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
Services
Language Immersion Programs
Our language immersion programs begin at age 2.5 with play-based French instruction, expanding to include German, Mandarin, and Spanish in middle school. Students achieve bilingual proficiency while developing cultural competence through authentic learning experiences. The curriculum integrates language acquisition with core academic subjects to create meaningful connections.
International Baccalaureate Curriculum
We implement IB frameworks from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections. The Primary Years Programme fosters foundational skills while the Middle Years Programme develops critical thinking through five language tracks. All programs cultivate global citizenship and academic excellence.
Early Childhood Education
Our Maternelle program serves children aged 2.5 through kindergarten, combining play-based learning with French immersion. Certified educators use IB methodologies to nurture social-emotional development and early academic skills in a supportive environment that requires no prior French experience.
Extended Learning Programs
We offer comprehensive extended learning opportunities including early arrival, aftercare, athletics, and summer camps. Our Afterschool Explorers program provides enrichment activities while ACE Week combines academic reinforcement with recreational experiences during school breaks.
Admissions Consulting
Our admissions team provides personalized guidance through the application process, including campus tours and information sessions. We offer individualized consultations and shadow days to help families understand our programs, with virtual options available for international applicants.
People
Kate Sandgren
Director of Admissions
Kate Sandgren leads admissions with over 15 years of experience in international education. She manages the application process and coordinates campus visits while ensuring families understand our language immersion programs.
Marianne Wilburn
Director of Development
Marianne Wilburn oversees fundraising initiatives including the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign. She works with donors to support campus expansion and program development while maintaining community engagement.
Questions
What language options are available?
We offer French, German, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish immersion tracks, plus an English-focused International Track for middle school students.
Is prior language experience required?
No prior language experience is needed for early childhood programs. Middle school immersion tracks require demonstrated language proficiency.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and maintain three additional educational accreditations.
How do you support student diversity?
Our community represents 40 countries and 50 languages, with intentional programming to foster cross-cultural understanding across all grade levels.
What is your teacher retention rate?
Our faculty has an average tenure of 11 years, with specialized training in language immersion and IB pedagogy.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide need-based financial aid and offer payment plans to support accessibility for qualified applicants.
Reviews (3)
Jeanette Swafford
Oct 19, 2018
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French American Int'l School has been wonderful for my two daughters. Not only do they teach high-quality language immersion but the arts, technology, music and PE are all infused in their core learning. The middle school (Gilkey) gives fantastic structure for those awkward tween years. Small class sizes and a dedicated group of teachers who have been there forever make a vibrant learning environment.
The IB program is an added bonus that enhances their studies considerably. The IB load starts early and continues all the way through middle school, setting them up for a rigorous high school curriculum
The IB program is an added bonus that enhances their studies considerably. The IB load starts early and continues all the way through middle school, setting them up for a rigorous high school curriculum
Dominic Hoar-Weiler
Nov 19, 2017
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Great engaged school. I went here, and they really care about all the students. They encourage engaged learning and multi lingual learners.
Claudia Fuentes
Jan 12, 2013
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The school was really cool and the staff was friendly. They held a french festival in the spring and gave the public a look into their school. The festival was really neat. They had food and music as well as vendors that complimented the school.
