French American International School’s Fête du Vin Celebrates Community

Portland, OR. Fête du Vin on November 4th brought together some of Oregon’s best wineries and restaurants, uniting the diverse and progressive community that surrounds the French American International School. FAIS Parent & Alumni relations Manager, KaDo Gorman posed for a photo with Fete Committee members Raphaelle Robert, Julia Bannon, Michelle Reeves, and Paul Willenberg. (Photo credit, Jason DeSomer)

From French American School:

Established in 1979, FAIS has since built one of Portland’s most respected and forward-thinking schools. Known for its high-quality academic program, FAIS is committed to growing a global community of international thinkers and innovators. All proceeds from this event go towards supporting FAIS and its mission to foster open-mindedness, integrity, and collaborative community. FAIS is proud to host Fête du Vin at its new event venue, Pure Space in the Pearl district of Portland.

Founded – 1979
Head of School – Pam Dreisin
Middle School Division Head/
Assistant Head of School – Emmanuelle Burk
Lower School Division Head – Catherine Cohen
FAIS Includes – 
The French American Lower School, grades PS-5 

The Gilkey International Middle School, grades 6-8

Enrollment

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.