The International School

We have three children who have gone through the International School. We couldn't be happier. Language immersion is only one of the advantages - the curriculum for the children is designed to encourage inquisitiveness and cooperation as well as self reliance. Our only regret is that it doesn't go through high school
5 7 years ago (18-04-2018)

I went here for 6 years. This is just my experience. : This school gave me nothing but years of bullying, suicidal thoughts & actions. To start, the teachers did not care I was getting bullied. All those teachers knew about my situation, but chose not to do anything. On top of that, my kinder garden teacher was abusive (Adela). She dragged me and my friend through the classroom and into the hall, and finally in to the low k classroom. The one good thing I have to say is thank you Abbe, or Abbi, Abby, etc. You are awesome, and you should leave and teach at a different school.
1 7 years ago (18-01-2018)

My daughter has attended TIS for three years, Low-K through 1st grade in Spanish. We definitely plan to keep her there through 5th grade. The teachers and staff are all very nurturing, which is the main criterion we wanted from an early learning school. The curriculum is outstanding both the language-based and the English, and the kids also get excellent art, music and PE instruction as well. We’ve been very happy with TIS; my only complaint is that parking and driving in and out of the location can be quite challenging.
5 7 years ago (13-01-2018)

TIS is unique in the Portland area for having 3 immersion languages and IBPYP. In fact, it is one of a handful of immersion private schools in the US to offer PYP. The teachers in the languages are all native speakers, so our child has been exposed to several different cultures and dialects and her Spanish is so authentic that native speakers are surprised to learn she lives with two non-speakers. The academics are excellent, with teachers emphasizing STEM through projects and interactive education. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is important, although limited by Portland demographics, and the Learner Profiles and teachers emphasize cultural diversity through the units of inquiry, field trips, guest speakers and homework assignments. As an institution TIS impresses me most with it commitment to visibility and communication. When a new situation or problem arises, the administration does not ignore it or pretend to have all the answers; they acknowledge the issue, gather information and seek the opinion of parents, and formulate a response that accommodates the faculty, parents, community and serves TIS' values.
5 7 years ago (03-01-2018)

I wish I could go back to Kindergarten at The International School and learn IB subjects through Chinese immersion; what a way to learn another language and culture at 5 years of age! Dr. Michael Levine (Ph.D. in Cultural History)
5 8 years ago (05-12-2017)