
French International School of Oregon
Secular, Founded 1979
Updated July 2026
French International School of Oregon is an independent, language immersion, IB World School serving students from age 2.5 through 8th grade. It provides an education that combines language immersion with the International Baccalaureate framework on a 15-acre campus in Portland.
Teaching approach
The school employs a collaborative, inquiry-based approach to learning that encourages students to be curious, think critically, and challenge assumptions. As an IB World School, it is committed to fostering intercultural understanding and respect, using language as a lens to help students navigate the world and develop a global perspective. The community values diversity of experiences and cultures, aiming to prepare students to be future leaders.
Programmes
The school offers a continuum of learning starting with Maternelle (ages 2.5–5), which uses play-based inquiry in a French immersion environment. Students then progress through the IB Primary Years Programme in the Lower School (1st–5th grade) and the IB Middle Years Programme in the Middle School (6th–8th grade). In Middle School, students may enter immersion tracks in French, German, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish, or an English-focused International Track, with all students beginning a new language upon entry.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school move on to high schools both locally and abroad. The school emphasizes preparing students to engage with inclusivity, achieve with integrity, and excel with distinction, fostering a global mindset that transcends boundaries. Students are recognized for leadership, service, and enthusiasm upon completion of their studies.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides tutoring services, which are available for purchase in four-hour increments through the Extended Learning Department. Additionally, the school maintains a focus on attracting and retaining high-quality faculty, with teacher salaries benchmarked to the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) 50th percentile.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does French International School of Oregon offer?
- French International School of Oregon offers IB PYP and IB MYP.
- How much is tuition at French International School of Oregon?
- Annual tuition at French International School of Oregon is $21.5K–$30.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does French International School of Oregon hold?
- French International School of Oregon holds accreditations including IB and AEFE.
- Where is French International School of Oregon located?
- French International School of Oregon is an international school in Portland, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Toute Petite Section (TPS), preschool (PS) and prekindergarten (PK) - 5 half days | 2–4 | $21.5K |
| Toute Petite Section (TPS) through kindergarten (K) - 5 full days | 2–6 | $25.9K |
| 1st - 5th Grade | 6–11 | $26.5K |
| 6th - 8th Grade | 11–14 | $30.4K |
Other fees(2)
| Registration fee· Capital Fee (one-time fee per family) that funds campus maintenance | $4.3K |
|---|---|
| Insurance· Protect My Tuition refund insurance is 2.3% of net tuition | — |
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an inquiry, followed by participation in admissions events. Prospective families may apply online, with specific requirements for different grade levels; for example, previous French language experience is required for applicants to 1st–5th grade. The school offers financial aid based on relative need, and families eligible for French government bourses scolaires must complete those applications to be considered for school-based aid.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic calendar with tuition payment plans beginning in July. The academic year includes various community events, such as the Fête de la Musique, and concludes with graduation ceremonies for the graduating class. Families can access detailed household and school-wide information through the parent portal calendar.
About the campus
The school is situated on a 15-acre wooded campus in Portland. The grounds and facilities are designed to support the school's mission, with ongoing maintenance funded by a one-time capital fee per family.
Co-curriculars
The Extended Learning Department provides a range of activities outside of core classroom instruction. Offerings include Early Arrival, Aftercare, Afterschool Explorers, athletics, and summer camps. The school also hosts Arts and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) weeks.
- Scott HardisterHead of School
- Diego Zaragoza TejasAssociate Head of School
- Rebecca BrownChief Financial Officer
- Gabrielle EsbeckMaternelle Division Head
- Estelle HughesMiddle School Division Head
- Aurore MolerusLower School Division Head
- Kate SandgrenDirector of Admissions
IB PYP
AEFE