French American International School

The French American International School's (FAIS) rigorous, multilingual curriculum shapes young students into intellectually-curious, sensitive, civically-engaged, global citizens. FAIS's approach is compelling and unique; a school in Portland authorized for International Baccalaureate (IB) instruction for preschool through 8th grade students, FAIS combines this program with language immersion. FAIS's work begins in preschool, when young students begin French immersion and engage in IB-guided play-based inquiry. Kindergarten through 5th grade students in the Lower School continue French immersion under the instruction of native-speaking teachers and undergo the IB Primary Years Program. FAIS's Middle School, for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, offers its IB Middle Years Program in Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. At every level, students at FAIS learn in small classrooms led by experienced teachers hailing from 11 countries and benefit from a community that speaks 36 languages collectively. FAIS is committed to educating its students in an environment that embodies its guiding principles: to develop global citizens, foster multi-language ability, shape active learners, and deliver academic excellence.