F-1 Public · California
Chico Unified School District
A green university town in northern California, with one of the best arts programmes in the state — for creative people who also love nature.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Chico fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Chico, California
- Arrival airport
- Sacramento (SMF)
- Size (pupils)
- 12,000 in the district
- Climate
- Temperatures from 7 °C to 40 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- No minimum score, but a good level of English is required
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $44,300
- Semester 2027-2028
- $25,900
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Chico
In the morning, a class in Chico High's digital arts lab, one of the most advanced in Northern California, or an engineering class. In the afternoon, field hockey, swimming, or the ski and snowboard team in winter. On Thursday, musical theatre, robotics or the school newspaper. At the weekend, Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, with its picnic spots near the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Chico lives to the rhythm of Chico State University, with events all year round. Summers are hot, from 7 to 40 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- An "exemplary arts programme" recognised by the California Art Education Association.
- One of the most advanced digital arts labs in Northern California.
- Bidwell Park, nearly 1,500 hectares of nature in the city.
Courses, sports and clubs in Chico
- 52 courses
- 15 sports
- 15 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Options (16 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Integrated mathematics C, I, II and III
- Advanced mathematical concepts
- Pre-calculus
- Statistics (AP)
- Calculus (AP)
Science
- Advanced agricultural science
- Biology (AP)
- Veterinary science
- Horticulture
- Life science
- Earth science
- Chemistry (AP)
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
Humanities
- World history, culture and geography
- United States history
- Government and economics
- Social studies enrichment
- Psychology
English
- English (Honors, AP)
- American literature
- Language and composition (AP)
- Argumentative reading and writing
- Literature and composition (AP)
Languages
- Spanish
- French
- Japanese
Arts
- Ceramics I, II and III
- Studio art I, II and III
- Creative arts
- Glass design
- Exploring digital arts
- Digital arts I, II and III
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Introduction to art
Options
- Film appreciation
- Public speaking and debate
- Mechanics
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Ornamental horticulture
- Software and systems development
- Arts, media and entertainment
- Agriculture and natural resources
- Engineering and architecture
- Health services
- Medical technology
- Hospitality and tourism
- Technology
- Manufacturing and product development
- Welding and fabrication
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- Volleyball
- Swimming
- American football
- Golf
- Tennis
- Field hockey
- Cheerleading
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Skiing and snowboarding
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Golf
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- Art Club
- Marching band
- Chess
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- Key Club
- Musical theatre
- Robotics
- Science
- Society of Women Engineers Next
- Anime
- School newspaper
- Debate
- Nerd Guild
- Choir
- Video games
Chico 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 | $44,300 | no. 49 of 59 | 21% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $25,900 | no. 33 of 47 | 14% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (California): ranked 10 of 13 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (California): ranked 5 of 11 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Chino Valley: $300 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $20,400 more (85%).
- Within the same state (California), the cheapest is San Luis Coastal ($39,400): this district costs $4,900 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 Chico
How much does the school year cost in Chico?
$44,300 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Chico?
$25,900 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Chico expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 49 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 21% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (California), it ranks 10 of 13.
Can I go to Chico for just one semester?
Yes, Chico also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Chico?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Chico.
How old do I need to be to go to Chico?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
Which airport do I fly into for Chico?
Via Sacramento airport (SMF).
Sophie knows Chico 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.
Beautiful historic buildings, state-of-the-art gyms, sports fields and courts, several cutting-edge labs (science, computing, media and performing arts), an arts centre, cafeteria, theatre, libraries, greenhouse and more.
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- Chino Valley Unified School DistrictChino, California
- Clovis Unified School DistrictFresno, California
- El Camino Real Charter High SchoolWoodland Hills, California
Chico: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.