F-1 Public · Arizona
Cave Creek Unified School District
A single high school, the International Baccalaureate open to all and the Sonoran Desert as a backdrop — for those who want a diploma recognised worldwide under the Arizona sun.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Cave Creek fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Cave Creek, Arizona
- Arrival airport
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,776 in the high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 6 °C to 36 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- Minimum 230 (old scale) / 704 (new scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $32,200
- Semester 2027-2028
- $20,150
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Cave Creek
The week is spent at Cactus Shadows, ranked by Newsweek in the top 10% of American high schools. In the morning, an IB class — here, all grade 11 and 12 pupils have access without an application. In the afternoon, beach volleyball, lacrosse or swimming, on renovated facilities. On Tuesday evening, the fine arts centre and its auditorium for the drama troupe, or the Model UN club. At the weekend, the 17 kilometres of trails in Cave Creek Regional Park, for hiking or mountain biking, with the mountains to the north and Phoenix fifty kilometres away. Sunshine almost all the time, from 6 to 36 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- The IB programme open to all grade 11 and 12 pupils, full diploma or certificates.
- The Sonoran Desert and its trails just outside the high school.
- An outstanding fine arts centre and team beach volleyball.
Courses, sports and clubs in Cave Creek
- 43 courses
- 15 sports
- 20 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (12 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Calculus (AP)
- Mathematics (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
Science
- Biology (AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Chemistry (AP)
- Environmental science (AP)
Humanities
- United States history (AP)
- World history (AP)
- Micro and macroeconomics (AP)
- European history (AP)
- Human geography (AP)
- United States government (AP)
- History of the Americas
- World politics
English
- English literature (AP)
- English language and literature
- English language and composition (AP)
Languages
- Spanish
- French
- Mandarin
Arts
- Marching band
- Symphony orchestra
- Introduction to jazz
- Jazz ensemble
- Choir
- Theatre arts
- Visual arts
- Dance
- Drawing and painting
- Sculpture
- 2D studio portfolio
- 3D studio portfolio
Options
- Business 101
- Business management
- Software and app design
- Culinary arts
- Video production
- Finance
- Newspaper
- Sports medicine
- Psychology (AP)
- Computer science principles (AP)
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- American football
- Golf
- Swimming and diving
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading / pom (all year)
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
Spring
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Lacrosse
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Beach volleyball
Clubs
- Chess
- Chinese Club
- Choir
- Cultural Student Union
- Theatre
- Environmental science
- Falcon Unified Club
- French Club
- IB Club
- Key Club
- Literary magazine
- Marching band
- Mathematics
- Model UN
- Photography and media
- Science
- Spanish Club
- Star Wars Club
- Student council
- Young entrepreneurs
Cave Creek compared with other districts
Calculations based on the published prices of the districts on this page that show a package; same prices, same results.
| Package | Price | Rank | Difference from the median |
|---|---|---|---|
| School year 2027-2028 | $32,200 | no. 19 of 59 | 12% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $20,150 | no. 13 of 47 | 11% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 5 of 6 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 4 of 5 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Gilbert: $900 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this high school costs $8,300 more (35%).
- Within the same state (Arizona), the cheapest is Scottsdale ($28,750): this high school costs $3,450 more (12%).
Rank: from cheapest (no. 1) to most expensive, among the districts showing a price in the same currency. The median is the price in the middle of the list.
Frequently asked questions about Cave Creek
How much does the school year cost in Cave Creek?
$32,200 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Cave Creek?
$20,150 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Cave Creek expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 19 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 12% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Arizona), it ranks 5 of 6.
Can I go to Cave Creek for just one semester?
Yes, Cave Creek also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Cave Creek?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Cave Creek.
How old do I need to be to go to Cave Creek?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Cave Creek?
An ELTiS score of 230. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Cave Creek?
Via Phoenix airport (PHX).
Sophie knows Cave Creek as if she lived there.
The high school, sports by season, the town, the climate, things to do at the weekend — and the same for the 58 other districts. Ask her, she compares for you.
State-of-the-art facilities, recently renovated classrooms and labs, numerous sports fields, and an outstanding fine arts centre with a fine auditorium.
Daily life there
Cave Creek lies in the Sonoran Desert, on the northern edge of Paradise Valley, with the mountains to the north and only 53 km from downtown Phoenix. It is a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors and big landscapes. Cave Creek Regional Park offers wildlife areas, hiking and mountain biking; its 17 km of trails, from easy to difficult, are highly prized for their spectacular climbs and viewpoints.
More districts to explore
- Gilbert Public SchoolsGilbert, Arizona
- Hamilton High SchoolChandler, Arizona
- Mesa Public SchoolsMesa, Arizona
Cave Creek: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.