F-1 Public · California
Chaffey Joint Union School District
California's fourth-largest high school district, between Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains — for those who want the choice of a very large district in the heart of Southern California.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Chaffey fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Ontario, California
- Arrival airport
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Size (pupils)
- 3,268 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 6 °C to 34.5 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $44,850
- Semester 2027-2028
- $26,450
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Chaffey
In the morning, an Honors biotechnology or AP calculus class in one of the eight high schools — Chaffey High occupies a historic site from the early 20th century. In the afternoon, the athletics track, water polo or golf. On Thursday, academic decathlon, the drama troupe or the K-pop club. At the weekend Ontario is well placed: the San Gabriel Mountains on one side, the Orange County beaches on the other, Disneyland not far away, and the Tournament of Roses Parade in January. Los Angeles is within driving distance, and temperatures range between 6 and 34.5 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- More than 25,000 pupils and a very wide range of courses, including biotechnology.
- Between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Orange County beaches.
- A historic early 20th-century high school equipped with modern technology.
Courses, sports and clubs in Chaffey
- 49 courses
- 13 sports
- 15 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (11 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Integrated mathematics I-III (Honors)
- Advanced algebra
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (Honors)
- Introduction to college mathematics
- Integrated mathematics fundamentals
- Personal finance mathematics
Science
- Anatomy and physiology (Honors)
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors)
- Biotechnology
- Environmental science (AP)
- Medical physiology
- Geology
- Physics (Honors, AP)
Humanities
- Economics (AP)
- Government (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- World history (AP)
- Psychology
English
- English I-III (Honors)
- Creative writing
- Argumentative reading and writing
- English composition (AP)
- English literature (AP)
- Journalism
- Film and literature analysis
Languages
- French
- Spanish
- American Sign Language
Arts
- Art
- Art history (AP)
- Studio art (AP)
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Choreography
- Dance fundamentals
- Theatre
- Color guard
- Technical theatre
- Digital photo
Options
- Computer graphics
- Digital filmmaking
- Careers and finance
- Programming
- Computer science
- Woodworking and wood design
- Construction
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Water polo
- Cross-country
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Winter
- Wrestling
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Water polo
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf
- Track and field
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- Marching band
- Choir
- Academic decathlon
- Anime
- Charity Club
- Debate
- Interact Club
- Key Club
- LGBT Alliance
- Film
- Physics
- K-pop
- Theatre troupe
- Fashion
- National Honor Society
Chaffey 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 | $44,850 | no. 50 of 59 | 23% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $26,450 | no. 38 of 47 | 16% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (California): ranked 11 of 13 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (California): ranked 8 of 11 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Chico: $550 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $20,950 more (88%).
- Within the same state (California), the cheapest is San Luis Coastal ($39,400): this district costs $5,450 more (14%).
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 Chaffey
How much does the school year cost in Chaffey?
$44,850 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Chaffey?
$26,450 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Chaffey expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 50 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 23% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (California), it ranks 11 of 13.
Can I go to Chaffey for just one semester?
Yes, Chaffey also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Chaffey?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Chaffey.
How old do I need to be to go to Chaffey?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Chaffey?
An ELTiS score of 220. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Chaffey?
Via Los Angeles airport (LAX).
Sophie knows Ontario as if she lived there.
The district's high schools, 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.
All the high schools have sports fields and athletics tracks. Chaffey High School's main building is a historic site from the early 20th century. All the schools are equipped with modern technology.
Daily life there
In the heart of Southern California, between Los Angeles and San Bernardino, Ontario was founded as a "model community". It is a lively, well-located city from which you can easily reach the San Gabriel Mountains, the Orange County beaches, Disneyland and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
More districts to explore
- Chico Unified School DistrictChico, California
- Chino Valley Unified School DistrictChino, California
- Clovis Unified School DistrictFresno, California
Chaffey, Ontario: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.