A History of French International’s Campus
Since its foundation in 1979, French International’s campus has continued to evolve. The French International community has been a vital partner in the growth and expansion of the school. Thanks to the unwavering support, French International has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Celebrate the rich history of French International's campus:
1979 - French International was founded, then named Portland French-American Bilingual School*. The school opened with three students, and its first home was in the basement of a church at the Oregon Episcopal School.
1983 - The Portland French-American Bilingual School* moves to its new home at Sylvan Elementary School.
1996 - The French American School* makes its first land purchase, buying 10 acres at the corner of NW Cornell and NW Miller Road. Construction of the Administration Building and installation of the satellites begins.
1998 - The French American School’s* current campus opens in the Fall for the 1998-99 school year, establishing a solid presence in NW Portland.
2000 - The French American School* receives donations from generous community members to add classrooms on the western side of Satellite Four.
2004 - Several generous supporters donate to capital projects, allowing the school to purchase additional property on NW Miller Road that now makes up the current Middle School and part of the nature trail.
2006 - The French American School* parents, grandparents, and friends raise enough money to support the building and installation of a new playground.
2008 - French International builds an addition to the main administrative building that includes the Rose Préau, Commons, office spaces, and conference room.
2011 - The French American School* purchases additional property along NW Cornell Road, which includes a house and a sheep field.
2012 - Contributions to the Gala Special Appeal make it possible to transform the newly purchased land along NW Cornell Road. The sheep field becomes what is now Discovery Park, and the house is remodeled into the Center for Fine Arts (CFA).
2015 - French American International School* remodels the kitchen with support from parents and community members.
2015 - The Board of Trustees approves the new Middle School building.
2019 - The new Middle School building opens in the fall.
2022 - The Board of Trustees approves full campus transformation, which includes new Maternelle and Lower School classrooms, as well as centering play, updating campus safety, and enhancing the community experience.
2023 - French International purchases three adjacent properties along NW Cornell Road, giving French International all the property from the fire station east to the stoplight.
*Throughout its history, French International School of Oregon has had four different names. Portland French-American Bilingual School, French American School and Gilkey International Middle School, French American International School, and French International School of Oregon.
