F-1 Public · Arizona
Paradise Valley Unified School District
A district in Arizona's top 20, in the sixth-largest city in the United States, with sunshine and national parks within driving distance — for those who want to aim for university without giving up the great outdoors.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Paradise Valley fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Arrival airport
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,200 to 1,250 per high school on average
- 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
- $29,900
- Semester 2027-2028
- $19,000
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Paradise Valley
In the morning, an AP physics class or a dual enrolment class with the university, in a district that aims to be a national benchmark. In the afternoon, the sports fields on each campus: swimming, golf, American football. On Tuesday, the ceramics, forensic science or film club. On Thursday, the international pupils' club or DECA. At the weekend, Phoenix and its climate, which lets you live outdoors twelve months a year, hiking, cycling, and for long weekends the Grand Canyon three hours' drive away. From 4 to 41 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- In the top 20 districts in Arizona according to Niche.
- AP classes and dual enrolment classes with the university.
- The Grand Canyon three hours away, and 21 national parks in the state.
Courses, sports and clubs in Paradise Valley
- 53 courses
- 13 sports
- 17 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Mathematics (9 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-IV
- Mathematics fundamentals
- Geometry (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- College algebra
- Calculus (Honors, AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Trigonometry (Honors)
- Applied mathematics
Science
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (Honors, AP)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Earth science
- Astronomy
- Environmental science
- Health science
Humanities
- United States history (AP)
- World history (AP)
- European history (AP)
- American government
- United States government and politics (AP)
- Economics
- Microeconomics (AP)
- Macroeconomics (AP)
English
- English (Honors, AP)
- English grammar basics
- English literature and composition (AP)
- College-level composition
- Communication
- Journalism
- Creative writing
Languages
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Mandarin
Arts
- Culinary arts
- Introduction to studio
- Photojournalism
- Fusion dance
- Theatre arts
- Film studies
- Fashion: design and merchandising
- Sound engineering
Options
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Personal finance
- Business and management
- Writing fundamentals
- Set design and construction
- Independent living
- Innovations in bioscience and engineering
- Sports medicine
- Social psychology
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Swimming and diving
- Cheerleading
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Soccer
- Cheerleading
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- Ceramics
- Comedy
- DECA (entrepreneurship)
- Theatre
- Film
- Forensic science
- National Honor Society
- Public speaking and debate
- Writing
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- International Students Club
- Key Club
- Cooking
- Yearbook
- Chorus
- Marching band
- Orchestra
Paradise Valley 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 | $29,900 | no. 11 of 59 | 18% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $19,000 | no. 9 of 47 | 16% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 2 of 6 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 2 of 5 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Scottsdale: $1,150 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $6,000 more (25%).
- Within the same state (Arizona), the cheapest is Scottsdale ($28,750): this district costs $1,150 more (4%).
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 Paradise Valley
How much does the school year cost in Paradise Valley?
$29,900 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Paradise Valley?
$19,000 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Paradise Valley expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 11 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 18% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Arizona), it ranks 2 of 6.
Can I go to Paradise Valley for just one semester?
Yes, Paradise Valley also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Paradise Valley?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Paradise Valley.
How old do I need to be to go to Paradise Valley?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Paradise Valley?
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 Paradise Valley?
Via Phoenix airport (PHX).
Sophie knows Phoenix 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 facilities and sports fields on every campus; computer and technology laboratories, libraries and theatres at every high school, for pupils drawn to STEM as well as to the arts.
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- Scottsdale Unified School DistrictScottsdale, Arizona
- Cave Creek Unified School DistrictCave Creek, Arizona
- Gilbert Public SchoolsGilbert, Arizona
Paradise Valley, Phoenix: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.