WELCOME FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Welcome,
The school began in 1979 under the impetus of Jean-Claude and Maarja Paris, opening with only three students. Today we have 460 in grades preschool (age three or petite section) to eighth (quatrième). We offer a program of instruction that combines the best of both traditions, French and American. Our students begin their program of studies in a French immersion environment. All classes are taught in French by certified teachers from France or Belgium. The program follows the French national curriculum, the same curriculum used in France and in over 400 French schools outside of France, thirty-seven of which are in the United States. This program provides the wide body of knowledge, the training in thinking skills, and the rigorous evaluation of students for which the French system is well known. At the same time, our school provides a solid focus on individualized learning, development of a student’s creative and imaginative faculties, and close parent-school relationships, all of which are the hallmarks of American education. English is taught formally in the program from the second grade, and our students perform very well on the Oregon Achievement Tests.
Our middle school, The Gilkey International Middle School, continues this tradition for students who are fluent in French. We also offer an International Track for students whose only language is English. All courses are taught in English for these students. All students in the middle school also begin the study of a foreign language, either German or Spanish for students in our French Track; or French, German, or Spanish for students in the International Track. This is following in the tradition of Dr. Gordon Gilkey, a great Oregonian, an educator, an artist, an internationalist, a philanthropist, and a Francophile.
Our students are therefore well prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. They have had a rigorous academic program, but one that has allowed each student to blossom according to his or her strengths. They have a solid grounding in the traditional disciplines and a deep knowledge of at least one other language and culture. Our students enter high school and eventually universities as self-confident learners who have a deep commitment to understanding the world around them and a desire to make it a better place for all. In this way, we fulfill our school’s mission: “The French American International School strives to cultivate a student's intellect and character, offering strong academic programs in French, in English, in Spanish and in German in an environment that daily promotes an understanding of different cultures.”
Enjoy your visit, and please make it a real one soon!
Yours truly,
Jean-François Genay
Head of School
