French International School of Oregon

Portland, Oregon. The school is located on a 15-acre campus in Portland. The address is 8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland, OR 97229.

Maternelle (TPS-K); Lower School (1st-5th); Middle School (6th-8th). Preschool through 8th grade.

Independent school

40 countries represented; 50 languages spoken.

AEFE and Mission Laïque Française (France-based affiliations).

The school uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework for its curriculum in a language-immersion setting, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP); the school is the only IB-authorized provider in Portland for preschool through eighth grade.

DELF/DALF exams are offered; the exams are administered on site, with results emailed about six weeks after the exam and diplomas arriving several months later.

Graduates have progressed to universities including Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, American University, University of Chicago, Oregon State University, University of Portland, University of Oregon, Occidental College, and Gonzaga University.

French International believes all students can be successful learners. The school differentiates and modifies teaching to meet a variety of learning needs. Teachers and staff are best able to support students when they are fully informed about each student's learning differences. A partnership with parents and outside specialists is critical to the success of students with learning differences. Some students with significant learning differences may be better served in another educational environment.

The school differentiates and modifies teaching to respond to a variety of student learning needs. Learning differences are identified and supported through professional development for teachers and through student support specialists who work with teachers and families. A partnership with parents and outside specialists is critical to addressing learning differences. Greater accommodations (e.g., extended time on tests) require documentation of identified learning differences, and the school may discuss alternative educational opportunities if resources cannot meet a student's needs.

English is integrated from preschool in the language immersion program; English Language Arts Standards for the State of Oregon are followed from 2nd through 5th grade. In Lower School, English is gradually expanded alongside French immersion. In Middle School, there are four immersion tracks—French, German, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish—with an English-focused track available for students who need more English language support.

Two counselors work with middle school students: a guidance counselor and a student support specialist. The guidance counselor supports the emotional well‑being of students and collaborates with groups, individuals, teachers, advisors, and parents. The student support specialist works with students needing academic support and coordinates with families and outside tutors or evaluators. Both counselors participate in the health and wellness education program provided to middle school students.

All volunteers supervising children are required to undergo a criminal background check. Volunteers for younger age groups (TPS, Preschool, and Prekindergarten) must enroll in the Central Background Registry and undergo fingerprinting. Kindergarten through 8th-grade volunteers may complete the process through French International.

Application deadline for priority consideration is February 1 each year; applications are accepted on a rolling basis after that date. Begin in the Admissions Portal by providing general background information, completing the appropriate questionnaire(s), uploading a family photo, and paying the $100 application fee. Required forms include online teacher recommendations (one recommendation for Maternelle and Lower School; Middle School requires recommendations for math, English, and Advanced Language if applicable). Student records for the current and previous year must be sent to the Office of Admissions. For Maternelle and Lower School, an Admissions Meeting is scheduled after submission; Middle School applicants spend a full day on campus shadowing; a virtual day is possible for international/out-of-state applicants. Admissions decisions for files completed by February 1 are made in March and April and sent electronically; applications received after February 1 are offered on a space-available basis. The Admissions Committee reviews completed files to determine offers.

Immersion Student Scholarship (ISS) provides $5,000 per year merit-based for one incoming sixth-grade student who has attended language-immersion programs in the local area; eligible languages include French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish; the ISS is extended each year through eighth grade with no re-application required, provided the recipient remains in good academic standing. School-based financial aid is available to families who qualify and is determined through Clarity; more than 20% of students receive aid. To apply for financial aid, families submit a Clarity application with required tax documents and a $60 fee; deadlines include December 15, 2025 for re-enrollment and February 1, 2026 for fall 2026-27 admission. Award considerations include financial resources, ability to pay, immersion commitment, cultural diversity, enrollment type, and adherence to deadlines. French citizens may also apply for bourses scolaires through the French government when eligible.

There is a waiting list when there are more qualified applicants than openings; it is unranked. If openings occur, the Admissions Committee decides which applicant(s) will be offered a spot based on the class profile and the needs and qualifications of the applicant.