French American International School Breaks Ground on Gilkey International Middle School Building

Portland, OR. Members of the Board of Trustees for the French American International School were digging in to celebrate the start of construction on the Gilkey International Middle School Building. The ground breaking ceremony on September 28th drew hundreds of people to the campus which is located at 8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland.

From The French American International School (FAIS) :

FAIS educates approximately 550 students in preschool through grade eight. There are about 140 students in Maternelle (preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten), 230 in grades one through five, and 180 in grades six through eight.

Class size is generally limited to 18 in all grade levels, and the average class size is 15. Maternelle classes (preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten) have a certified French teacher and a bilingual assistant.

Curriculum

French American Lower School (preschool through grade five) – Our primary school is a French immersion program that combines the best of the French and American educational systems. The language of instruction is exclusively French from preschool through fifth grade. English language arts, U.S. social studies and science are taught in English beginning in the second grade. A copy of the curriculum outline is available on request.

Gilkey International Middle School (grades six through eight) – Our middle school offers an inspiring international curriculum where students strive to become independent, creative, and critical thinkers, preparing themselves as responsible citizens and leaders within their local and world communities. Students choose between instruction in English or partial immersion in French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin. All students also select a beginning language (French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin). A copy of the curriculum outline is available on request.