Russian Immersion

Updated November 2025

The Russian Immersion program begins at Kelly Elementary where kindergarteners spend 90% of the day learning in Russian and 10% of the day learning in English. By 4th grade, students spend half the day in Russian and half the day in English.

The program continues at Lane Middle School where students take Russian language as one of their electives and can earn four high school credits in eighth grade.

At Franklin High School, immersion students continue to take advanced level Russian language courses and work towards the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy and university credits.

Our Russian Immersion students are active members of the global community who are prepared for high school, college and beyond. Students who complete the K-12 program are eligible for enrollment in Portland State University’s Flagship Program.

Entry at Kindergarten:
Students entering at Kindergarten apply through the School Lottery  in Feb/March for the following school year at https://www.pps.net/departments/enrollment-transfer/transfer-english.

Late Entry (grades 1st-12th):
At grade levels beyond kindergarten, families submit a petition request.  In order for petitions to be approved, space must be available at the specific grade level.  If space is identified, Russian language learners must pass a language proficiency assessment demonstrating that they are on grade level in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Assessments for Late Entry are conducted in June, as well as right before school starts. 

Please reach out to Olga Bobrovnik at the Enrollment and Transfer Center, 503-916-2000, ext. 71159 for more information about enrollment.