IHS Overview

The International High School of Portland is an independent, nonprofit, co-educational high school located adjacent to Portland State University in downtown Portland, Oregon. IHS Portland offers a rich four-year academic program in multiple languages. Successful completion of the fully integrated curriculum leads to attainment of the globally recognized International Baccalaureate diploma and fluency in at least one language other than English.

Founding Schools

Our school is a reality due to the collaborative efforts of four founding schools and leaders from Portland’s education, business and international communities. The founding schools include:

History

2003:
Initial discussions about starting an international high school begin, given the need for a secondary education option which would offer founding school graduates a continuing international and language program. The founding schools also note the increasing demand for immersion educational programs within Portland-area public schools, the strong demand for International Baccalaureate programs worldwide and the corporate need for employees with language and cultural competency.

2006:
Spring: A survey is conducted among parents of the founding schools to assess interest in the international high school concept. Results show a majority would consider enrolling their child.
Fall: A committee is formed to begin working on the high school. Parent volunteers from the founding schools form a working committee to develop the curriculum, investigate possible locations, and initiate marketing efforts.

2007:
Winter-Spring: Committee work continues. A preferred site is identified near Portland State University and lease negotiations begin.
Fall: The Founding Board of Directors of IHS Portland is formed. The Board of Directors authorizes signing of a lease agreement with PSU. Total enrollment among the four founding schools tops 1000 students, spanning preschool through eighth grade, with over 35 countries represented.

2008:
Winter: Community support grows, and the financial foundation of the School is established by the four founding schools and individual and corporate gifts.

Accreditation

IHS Portland will seek accreditation from the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools.

Statement on Non-Discrimination

The International High School of Portland does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, gender preference, race, religion or sex in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.