“. . . Portland Christian has provided me a chance to try all different kinds of experiences throughout my high school years . . . band, the musical, student council, cross country, track, Mathematics Honor Society and I have been invited to be in the National Honor Society next year.”
— International Student from South Korea, Class of 2019
The International Student Program (ISP) at Portland Christian Schools began in 1986. The program has developed over the years as a leading international student program among national high schools because of the following strengths:
- Strong emphasis on English as a second language, academics, college preparedness, and the transition of students from ESL courses to mainstream courses
- Living accommodations are met with a host family program comprised of a diverse group of Christian families
- A good command of the basic skills of English reading, writing and conversation, and mathematics is gained
- Clear teaching of the school’s Statement of Faith within the school’s program, and expectation to comply with the behavior standards listed in the Parent -Student Handbooks and Student Agreements
- Guidance on how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow in relationship with others
- A range of English-speaking proficiency is accepted
- Acceptance is based upon enrollment availability, academic history, recommendations, maturity, and parental support
International Student Program Features
Academics
- The ISP program offers ESL support to students as they build their English skills
- Other ESL courses offered include subjects such as history and Bible
- A TOEFL Prep course is offered to students planning to take the TOEFL test (not offered every year)
- A TOEFL score of 73 iBT allows students to be fully mainstreamed
- Students with one year experience can take our ESL courses with the appropriate support to help them progress well in their English studies
Diplomas
Our program offers two different diplomas, both of which are accepted by American colleges and universities for admissions purposes:
- Jeanne Lampi Scholar diploma – to attend a high tier American university
- Standard diploma – American high school diploma
AP Classes
- Advanced placement (AP) classes are offered to qualifying students
Student Selection
- Applicants are from all levels of English and all nationalities
- Students with a history of strong academics will be granted priority admission
Host Families
- Each student is required to live with a local family
- International students not living with their biological families are placed with Christian host families who are screened and approved by the school
- Each adult in the household has had a background check
- Students are expected to engage in family life style, attend church regularly, and pay monthly host family stipend (this includes food, lodging, and transportation to and from school)
Extra-Curricular Activities
In addition to rigorous academic courses, students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities.
- Band, choir/ensemble, drama, art club, international club (FAB), Student Council and National Honor Society as well as Math National Honor Society are available
- Fall athletics – boys and girls cross country, girls volleyball, and boys and girls soccer
- Winter athletics – boys and girls basketball and ski club
- Spring athletics – boys baseball, boys and girls golf, and boys and girls track & field
- Applicants who are newly enrolling but not participants in a CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) approved program may not be able to participate in extracurricular sports until they have been at Portland Christian High School for one school year
To learn more about joining the PCS International Students Program and begin an application, go to the Admissions Steps: International page.
Meet a Teacher
NAME: VICKI BRIDGES
Degree: BA and BS from Oregon State University; Master of Arts in Teaching from Portland State University, Oregon.
Experience: JAPANESE TEACHER AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST, employed with PCS since 2021