Historically, French protests have always been rowdy and widespread. I don't think Portland's protests were even close to what France has seen.

French protests are known for their ferocity in European context, yes. But what was dominant in the recent weeks were not protests, it was the rioting. Obviously.

People protesting poor school conditions don't burn down their schools or random public buildings.

Your description seems to ignore that a historic town hall that survived two world wars was invaded and torched, and burnt to the ground, and that entire neighbourhoods -public spaces- in major cities have been turned into warzones from weeks of riots involving hundreds of thousands of people, causing extensive property damage, widespread feeling of insecurity and environmental damage.

Your takeaway from this was apparently 'looted luxury store and burned cop cars'.

Is it your source of news that's to blame for that misapprehension, or your personal stance on things?

edit: typo