F-1 Public · Arizona
Mesa Public Schools
Arizona's largest district, 69,000 pupils and every kind of profile, in the state's third-largest city — for those who want choice and sunshine, with the IB programme as an option.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Mesa fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Mesa, Arizona
- Arrival airport
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,600 to 2,700 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 4 °C to 41 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 215-220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $31,650
- Semester 2027-2028
- $19,850
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Mesa
In the morning, an AP biology class or the IB programme at Westwood High. In the afternoon, beach volleyball, flag football, badminton or swimming — some high schools have their own pool, and the weather is fine all year round. On Tuesday, film production, robotics or the cooking club. On Thursday, Model UN or drama. At the weekend, Mesa: golf, hiking, climbing, good restaurants and shops in a superb setting, with Phoenix next door. From 4 to 41 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- The largest district in Arizona, ranked no. 4 for diversity in the state.
- The IB programme at Westwood High School.
- Sport all year round in the sunshine, with a pool at some high schools.
Courses, sports and clubs in Mesa
- 65 courses
- 17 sports
- 19 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (12 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-II (Honors)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Personal finance
- Pre-AP Algebra I
- College algebra and trigonometry
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Contemporary mathematics and modelling
- Mathematics consolidation
Science
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Environmental science (Honors)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Essentials of science
- Advanced biotechnology
Humanities
- World history (Honors, AP)
- American history (Honors, AP)
- World War II studies
- American government
- Principles and practices of economics
- European history (AP)
- Sociology
- Psychology (AP)
- Sports psychology
English
- English (Honors)
- Pre-AP English I
- Pre-AP Honors English
- Shakespeare
- Critical thinking and writing
- Creative writing
- Mythology
- Debate
- Journalism
- English composition
Languages
- American Sign Language
- Mandarin
- Spanish
- German
- French
Arts
- Photography
- Ceramics
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Art design
- Studio art
- Art history
- Film studies
- Music theory
- Music and culture
- Acting
Options
- Career exploration
- Automotive technologies
- Biotechnology
- Computer technology
- Culinary arts
- Web design and development
- Design and merchandising
- Digital photo
- Robotics
- Engineering
- Financial services
- Welding
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- American football
- Golf
- Badminton
- Swimming and diving
- Cheerleading
- Cheerleading
- Volleyball
- Flag football
Winter
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Soccer
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Beach volleyball
Clubs
- Book Club
- Anime
- Yearbook
- Chess
- History
- Mathematics
- Model UN
- Film production
- Robotics
- Cooking
- Theatre
- Computer science
- National Honor Society
- Games
- Photo
- Student council
- Marching band
- Orchestra
- Choir
Mesa 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 | $31,650 | no. 15 of 59 | 13% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $19,850 | no. 12 of 47 | 13% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 3 of 6 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 3 of 5 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Paradise Valley: $1,750 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $7,750 more (32%).
- Within the same state (Arizona), the cheapest is Scottsdale ($28,750): this district costs $2,900 more (10%).
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 Mesa
How much does the school year cost in Mesa?
$31,650 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Mesa?
$19,850 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Mesa expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 15 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 13% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Arizona), it ranks 3 of 6.
Can I go to Mesa for just one semester?
Yes, Mesa also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Mesa?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Mesa.
How old do I need to be to go to Mesa?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Mesa?
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 Mesa?
Via Phoenix airport (PHX).
Sophie knows Mesa 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.
Excellent sports facilities to enjoy the fine weather all year round; some high schools have a pool. Westwood High School offers the IB programme.
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- Paradise Valley Unified School DistrictPhoenix, Arizona
- Scottsdale Unified School DistrictScottsdale, Arizona
- Cave Creek Unified School DistrictCave Creek, Arizona
Mesa: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.