Frequently Asked Questions about the Admissions Process
How many openings are available each year?
There are usually 18 spots in the International Track for sixth grade. There are generally a few spots available in the French Track also. The number of openings varies from year to year.
Do you require an entrance exam?
An entrance exam is required of students entering grades six, seven, and eight. These students are required to take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). To sign up for the test, please consult the SSAT website at www.ssat.org or contact the Admissions office.
Do you require an interview?
GIMS student day-visit
Applicants for the middle school are asked to
spend a full day on campus attending and
participating (when possible) in classes with
Gilkey students. After you submit an application, please call (503) 292-7776 ext. 620 to schedule your day.
How does the school make admissions decisions?
We seek students of average to above-average ability who can contribute to and benefit from our challenging and rewarding curriculum. The school strives to admit students whose families value the advantages of an internationally-oriented curriculum offered in a small class environment.
Students are selected for admission to the school on the basis of:
- academic achievement based on student records and SSAT scores;
- developmental maturity;
- teacher recommendation; and
- readiness for the school’s program based on student visit.
Other criteria may include:
- diversity and gender balance;
- affiliation with the school; and
- appropriateness of the match between the family and the school.
In all cases, the school retains the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission or to re-enroll a student. The admissions committee makes recommendations to the Head of School, who has ultimate authority and sole discretion in admissions and re-enrollment decisions.
FAIS admits students of any race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. FAIS does not discriminate against any student on the basis of a disability which is unrelated to the ability of a student to enjoy the benefits of the school’s programs. All persons are encouraged to apply.
Is there a waiting list?
When the school cannot offer a place to a child, we are eager to offer counsel on other schools that may be able to accommodate the student. When there are more qualified candidates than openings available, the school establishes an unranked waiting list; if any openings occur, the admissions committee decides which candidate(s) will be offered a place based on such factors as the overall profile of the class and the match between the needs of the school with the needs and qualifications of the student.
How old does a child have to be to enter FAIS?
A student’s grade level is determined by his or her date of birth. Oregon law puts the cutoff date at September 1. A student must be 11 by September 1 for 6th grade, 12 for 7th grade and 13 for eighth grade. If a child has skipped a grade at an accredited school, the student may continue on their grade path. The French government places the cutoff date at December 31st of each year. Children who are French nationals who have already been placed in the school system in France according to the French cutoff date may continue in the same grade upon entering FAIS.
Does the school offer financial aid?
We are pleased to offer a financial aid program to our current families. Financial aid is intended to enhance cultural and socioeconomic diversity in the student body. All financial aid is based on economic need. Allocation of available funds is made to the greatest number of families possible, though preference is given to returning families. Applications for financial aid are available from the Business Office. Admission to our school is considered separately from financial aid considerations.
