Portland`s First Independent International High School Accepting Applications

IHS Portland will hold its commencement ceremonies on September. 9th 2009 at 9:00 AM.

Photo: ihsportland.org

( PORTLAND, Ore.) - Amid the hustle and bustle of the urban epicenter that personifies the Portland State University (PSU) campus in downtown Portland, Oregon, sits the metropolitan area’s newest footstep toward the future in terms of education. The first of its kind in the area, the International High School of Portland (IHS Portland) recently opened its doors and its admissions program for the founding 2009-2010 school year.

Located in PSU’s Science and Education Building, IHS Portland offers passionate, college-bound students in grades 9 through 12 a challenging and enriched four-year curriculum that prepares them to become lifelong learners and leaders in tomorrow’s world. Taught by multilingual, internationally experienced faculty, classes at IHS Portland include modern languages (the school will offer education in French, Spanish, Mandarin and German) as well as other courses that thoroughly prepare students for college. IHS Portland also hopes to be an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) school by the year 2011.

With tuition rates more than 50 percent lower in cost than other private high schools in the local area, IHS Portland nurtures an affordable environment in which students of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds can come together to challenge themselves academically and advocate for an international understanding that revolves around stewardship of the earth and all humanity. Service and real-world experience in local communities is also an integral component of the IHS Portland education.

“We’re trying to create citizens of the world,” says Michael Hulshof-Schmidt, the head of school. “We are pushing for the creation of a global community. We hope for students to attend the school and find their voice, and once they leave be able to advocate for themselves and for others.”

IHS Portland is a reality due to the unique collaboration and financial support of various leaders from the area’s education, business and international communities, as well as its four partnering schools: language immersion schools The French American International School/The Gilkey International Middle School, The German American School of Portland, The International School and The Portland French School.

Forging its relationship with PSU, IHS Portland students will have access to the university’s athletic facilities and library. Additionally, the school’s next-door neighbor, the U.S. Geological Survey, has agreed to allow students to sit in on various guest speakers and presentations, and potentially use its laboratories for science curriculum.

IHS Portland will hold its commencement ceremonies on September. 9th 2009 at 9:00 AM. The school will host open houses on Sunday, November 16th 2008 and Sunday, December 7th 2008, from 1:00-4:00 PM. for anyone interested in learning more about IHS Portland.

For more information, please visit ihsportland.org. Admissions information and donation forms are available online.

Source: International High School of Portland