F-1 Public · Arizona
Gilbert Public Schools
Three hundred and ten days of sunshine a year and award-winning School of Excellence high schools — for those who want to live outdoors all year round in the Phoenix suburbs.
- F-1 visa
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Gilbert fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Arrival airport
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Size (pupils)
- 2,500 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 4 °C to 41 °C
- High school diploma possible
- no
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 215-220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $33,100
- Semester 2027-2028
- $20,700
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Gilbert
In the morning, an Honors pre-calculus or AP biology class in one of the five high schools. In the afternoon, on outdoor fields made for the climate, badminton, golf or swimming. On Wednesday, the outdoor club, robotics or the astronomy club — the Gilbert observatory is not far away. On Thursday, drama or the student senate. At the weekend, the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, the Big League Dreams complex and its eight baseball fields, and Phoenix next door. A very safe town, known for its cyclists and its trees. From 4 to 41 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- 310 days of sunshine a year on average.
- Several high schools awarded School of Excellence.
- An observatory, a nature reserve and eight baseball fields open to all.
Courses, sports and clubs in Gilbert
- 58 courses
- 13 sports
- 19 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Humanities (12 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-II (Honors)
- Geometry (Honors)
- College mathematics
- College algebra
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Statistics (AP)
- Calculus (AP)
- Differential equations
- Everyday financial applications
Science
- Earth science
- Astronomy
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Ecology and environmental science
- Marine biology
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Geology
- Forensic science
Humanities
- World studies
- World history (AP)
- American and Arizona history
- United States history (AP)
- Economics (AP)
- The stock market
- Microeconomics (AP)
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- European history
- Human geography
- Criminal justice
- Sociology
English
- English (Honors, AP)
- Language and composition
- Literature and composition
- Creative writing
- Introduction to public speaking
- Public speaking and debate
Languages
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Japanese
- American Sign Language
Arts
- Music theory
- Theatre arts
- Art and design
- Painting
- Drawing
- Cartooning
- Ceramics
- Digital photo
- Graphic design
- Art history
Options
- Life strategies for teens
- American popular music
- Agricultural leadership
- Personal finance
- Internet and web development
- Film fundamentals
- Electronics and robotics
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Badminton
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Wrestling
Spring
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Softball
Clubs
- Ambassadors
- Latin Club
- Model UN
- Outdoors
- Student senate
- Cooking
- Film
- Yearbook
- National Honor Society
- Prom committee
- Public speaking and debate
- Robotics
- Theatre
- Media studies
- Computer science
- Astronomy
- Orchestra
- Marching band
- Choir
Gilbert 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 | $33,100 | no. 21 of 59 | 9% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $20,700 | no. 15 of 47 | 9% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 6 of 6 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 5 of 5 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Hamilton: $1,450 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $9,200 more (38%).
- Within the same state (Arizona), the cheapest is Scottsdale ($28,750): this district costs $4,350 more (15%).
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 Gilbert
How much does the school year cost in Gilbert?
$33,100 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Gilbert?
$20,700 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Gilbert expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 21 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 9% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Arizona), it ranks 6 of 6.
Can I go to Gilbert for just one semester?
Yes, Gilbert also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Gilbert?
No. Gilbert does not award the American diploma to international pupils. If the diploma matters to you, ask Sophie which districts offer it.
How old do I need to be to go to Gilbert?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Gilbert?
An ELTiS score of 215-220. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Gilbert?
Via Phoenix airport (PHX).
Sophie knows Gilbert 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.
Superb sports facilities and outdoor fields to make the most of the climate. Each high school also has computer rooms, a library and a theatre.
Daily life there
With an average of 310 days of sunshine a year, the climate lends itself to outdoor activities in every season. Known for welcoming cyclists and for its tree cover, Gilbert is both environmentally minded and very safe. You can visit the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, the Gilbert observatory and the Big League Dreams complex, with its eight baseball fields open to the public.
More districts to explore
- Hamilton High SchoolChandler, Arizona
- Mesa Public SchoolsMesa, Arizona
- Paradise Valley Unified School DistrictPhoenix, Arizona
Gilbert: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.