French American International School

The French American School complies with the curriculum that is required by the French government. They do have a somewhat differing style, timing, and emphasis. This means that parents whose children are in the early grades may detect a difference in the pace of learning and the subject matter that is being taught. To judge the entire curriculum based on the math skills of an individual student is not necessarily a fair assessment. When speaking with teachers from rigorous high schools such as OES and Catlin Gabel, they give universal praise to the preparation of the students who matriculated at French American School, and the Gilkey International Middle School. We have often heard that the FAIS students are better prepared for high school that their own students. We have had excellent communication between ourselves and the teacher, and have always been welcomed by the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

As an alumnus of FAIS and a college grad majoring in international political economy, I want to say what a great job FAIS did in preparing me for the challenges of high school and eventually college. FAIS strong academic program, coupled with its international curriculum, prepared me better than most of my peers for the challenges of an academically rigorous college-prep high school. As importantly, my ability to speak three languages fluently has opened up numerous career options for me in today s more global economy. In fact, I truly feel that the educational experience I received at FAIS has had a greater impact on my future than my high school and college experiences combined. Merci beaucoup, FAIS!

We were told this was an academic school taught in French. But, we are finding after several years that this is a French school, not an academic school. Academics are lacking in the early years (ps through K). The local public school is more advanced in math than my child is. I feel I need to do a lot of supplemental teaching at home. There is very little communication to the parents on what is going on in the classroom. This is an ongoing concern and the school is doing very little about it. Many parents have complained, but no action to resolve. This is very disappointing considering this is a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had great success with our son at the school. He is thriving. Our motivation for placing him at the school has not been singularly focused on language immersion but also on the benefits associated with student teacher ratios that are less than half that in the Oregon Public School equivalent. The school does not prevent students from applying for academic or behavioral reasons. Instead, they are open to all children and work very hard to include everyone. Those who would make sweeping statements regarding who belongs or who does not belong reflect an ignorant and intolerant position that is not reflected by the school staff in my experience. We have found the teachers to be highly capable as well as highly motivated.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a trade-off: more French and less American. Here is an honest assessment. We had two children at FAS until 5th grade and found the teaching standards and quality vary within and between the grades. One child had a far better education than the other. When a student leaves FAS in 1st-5th grade only those with French proficiency can be enrolled. Some children do not belong at FAS for academic or behavioral reasons, making learning a challenge. The teachers are personable. The English curriculum does not meet the same standards as the public schools . There is a lack of flexibility to offer higher levels of work outside the French curriculum . Policy changes are made with little, if any, notice, irritating most. Students from FAS have an automatic acceptance into GIMS; outside students have to present grades and SSAT test scores to qualify. Most FAS students come into GIMS unprepared and not able to meet the new academic expectations; many will be successful at, thrive in, and enjoy GIMS. An immersion program is not for everyone, but both children have easily learned 2 add l languages. We enjoyed being active volunteers and making great friends!
--Submitted by a parent

This is truly one of the premiere foreign language immersion programs in the Country. It provides unparalleled immersion benefits to the children fortunate enough to attend. As such, admission is competitive. Educational opportunities like this are not easily established nor maintained without significant financial support of the families involved. This is especially true in challenging economic times. Enrollment is stable at pre-recession levels and the school is actively investing in its future. Regarding claims of excessive requests for funds: What is telling is the percentage of total yearly budget actually supplied by fund raising less than 10%. The primary source of funding, by far, comes from tuition payments. This is one reason sibling discounts have been eliminated as has become common in most top tier programs nationally in recent years. The school recently completed major expansion of its facilities and appears poised to further expand its IB curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

Our 2 kids have been at the school for over 5 years from PS on. Even though we have been satisfied with the education and values they have received we are very disappointed with the administration of the school. From the elimination of siblings discounts, the constant requests for funds to the unclear or misleading communications on how the funds are spent; have taken their toll on our patience and trust in the school administration.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing; teachers are all native speakers, academic rigor is the norm, and it is a truly mind-expanding experience for children.
--Submitted by a parent

FAIS' middle school, Gilkey International is truly a great school. Our daughter entered 6th grade at Gilkey from public elementary. Language, humanities, science and math are all top notch. Writing is stressed by amazing teachers, especially in the social sciences and english. Teaching is excellent in all subjects. My daughter discovered the joys of math with the mentoring of remarkable women teachers. Math in particular is helped by the the French approach to academic excellence, but the entire educational model at Gilkey is made better by its influence. Making it the best middle school in the city as far as I'm concerned. I've heard it said that Gilkey kids are often the best prepared for high school, both public and private and that the skills they learn serve as a strong foundation throughout high school and college. Given my daughter's experience this will certainly prove to be true.
--Submitted by a parent

I am currently a student in the 8th grade. Even though the school may not be as big as schools like OES and Catlin it's academics are the same or better for half the price. I love it here and hope that it only becomes better
--Submitted by a student