F-1 Public · Illinois
Chicago Public Schools
America's third-largest city as a playground, in the country's third-largest district — for those who want the real big American city, lakes and skyscrapers included.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
Chicago fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Arrival airport
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,500 to 2,500 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from -5.5 °C to 28 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- no
- Minimum ELTiS
- 225 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 17 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $46,600
- Checked on
- 14 October 2026
A week in Chicago
In the morning, an Honors integrated maths or AP biology class, in one of the district's fifty-five high schools, with programmes such as the Chicago Math and Science Initiative. In the afternoon, water polo, bowling, indoor track or marching band. On Wednesday, the jazz ensemble, the debate team or After School Matters. At the weekend, Chicago: the Magnificent Mile for shopping, fine restaurants as well as street stalls, and Lake Michigan at the end of the avenue. Winters are cold and summers hot, from -5.5 to 28 °C — and there is always something to do.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- The third-largest district in the United States, with a host of courses, sports and clubs.
- Chicago, the Great Lakes and the Magnificent Mile.
- A jazz ensemble, a debate team and Chicago Book Clubs.
Courses, sports and clubs in Chicago
- 62 courses
- 14 sports
- 19 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Options (12 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Integrated mathematics I-IV (Honors)
- Algebra I (Honors)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Advanced algebra and trigonometry (Honors)
- College algebra (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- History of mathematics
- Calculus (AP)
Science
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Physics (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Earth and space science (Honors)
- Environmental science (Honors, AP)
- Forensic science (Honors)
- Aerospace (Honors)
Humanities
- Civics (Honors)
- Psychology (AP)
- World studies (Honors)
- United States history (Honors, AP)
- History of propaganda
- Agricultural history (Honors)
- World history (AP)
- United States government and politics (AP)
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Geography (AP)
English
- English I-IV (Honors)
- Literature and composition (AP)
- Language and composition (AP)
- Reading
- Writing (Honors)
- Language and literacy (Honors)
Languages
- Latin
- Cantonese Chinese
- Mandarin
- Japanese
- American Sign Language
- Korean
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
Arts
- Performance dance (Honors)
- Culture through movement
- Music theory (AP)
- Theatre arts (Honors)
- Drama (Honors)
- Textile and fibre art
- Drawing and painting
- Art history (Honors)
Options
- Mathematics in art
- Zoology
- Art history
- Academic decathlon
- Art therapy methods
- Fashion design
- Musical experience
- Photography
- Film and animation
- Health
- Water activities
- Finance and entrepreneurship
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Soccer
- Cross-country
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
- Swimming
Winter
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Wrestling
- Swimming
- Indoor track
Spring
- Track and field
- Baseball
- Water polo
- Softball
- Soccer
Clubs
- Jazz ensemble
- Marching band
- Chorus
- Orchestra
- After School Matters
- Technical crew (TechCrew)
- Book Club
- Yearbook
- Debate team
- Chess team
- Art Club
- Photography
- Music
- Environment
- Student council
- Peer mentors
- Poetry
- Technology
- Journalism
Chicago 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 | $46,600 | no. 53 of 59 | 27% above the median ($36,550) |
- Compared with Green Bay: $14,650 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $22,700 more (95%).
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 Chicago
How much does the school year cost in Chicago?
$46,600 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
Is Chicago expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 53 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 27% above the median price ($36,550).
Can I go to Chicago for just one semester?
No, Chicago only accepts pupils for the full school year.
Can I earn the American diploma in Chicago?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Chicago.
How old do I need to be to go to Chicago?
Between 14 and 17 years old.
What level of English do I need for Chicago?
An ELTiS score of 225. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Chicago?
Via Chicago O’Hare airport (ORD).
Sophie knows Chicago 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.
Classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, complete sports facilities and sports fields for athletic pupils.
Daily life there
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, on the shores of the Great Lakes. Summers are hot and winters cold, but there is always something to see and do! Countless places to eat, from fine restaurants to street stalls. For shopping, the famous "Magnificent Mile" lines up Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, jewellers and boutiques.
More districts to explore
- Green Bay Area Public School DistrictGreen Bay, Wisconsin
- Alameda Unified School DistrictAlameda, California
- Anaheim Union High School DistrictAnaheim, California
Chicago: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.