F-1 Public · California
Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
One of only two public districts in Orange County open to F-1 students, with four high schools including a brand-new one — for those who want authentic California, fifty kilometres from Los Angeles.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Placentia Yorba Linda fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Placentia, California
- Arrival airport
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Size (pupils)
- 23,300 in the district
- Climate
- Temperatures from 9 °C to 30 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- Video interview and English test required
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $44,000
- Semester 2027-2028
- $25,600
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Placentia Yorba Linda
In the morning, an AP computer science or Honors pre-calculus class, at one of the four high schools — El Dorado, Esperanza, Valencia or Yorba Linda — among the best in California. In the afternoon, water polo, lacrosse or competitive cheerleading. On Tuesday, the Mathletes, the medical club or STEM IT UP. On Thursday, drama or the Korean culture club. At the weekend, Laguna Beach, the San Juan Capistrano mission, Disneyland, hiking and mountain bike trails, and Los Angeles fifty kilometres away. The town's name comes from Latin: "a pleasant place to live". From 9 to 30 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- One of only two public districts in Orange County authorised to host F-1 pupils.
- Four comprehensive high schools, including a brand-new one, with award-winning academic teams.
- Laguna Beach, Disneyland and mountain bike trails within easy reach.
Courses, sports and clubs in Placentia Yorba Linda
- 79 courses
- 15 sports
- 19 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (21 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Geometry (Honors)
- Trigonometry (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistical reasoning in sport
- Statistics (AP)
- Computer science (AP)
- College preparatory mathematics
- General mathematics
- Business mathematics
Science
- The living Earth (Honors)
- Biology (AP)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Body systems and disorders
- Chemistry and Earth systems (Honors)
- Chemistry (AP)
- Physics of the universe (Honors)
- Physics (AP)
- Environmental science (AP)
Humanities
- World history, culture and geography
- Human geography (AP)
- European history (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- Economics
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Microeconomics (AP)
- United States government and politics (AP)
- Contemporary world affairs
- Psychology (AP)
- Sociology
English
- Language and literature (Honors)
- English language and composition (AP)
- Argumentative reading and writing
- English literature and composition (AP)
- Journalism
- Publications and newspaper
Languages
- Mandarin (Honors, AP)
- French (AP)
- German (Honors, AP)
- Japanese (Honors, AP)
- Spanish (Honors, AP)
Arts
- Drawing and painting (AP)
- 3D art (AP)
- Ceramics (AP)
- Photography
- 2D art (AP)
- Video production
- Animation
- Brand creation
- Jazz ensemble
- Art history (AP)
- Digital design and illustration
- Graphic design
- Digital photo
- Film and audiovisual production
- Chorus
- Vocal jazz
- Theatre arts
- Musical theatre
- Theatre production
- Advanced dance
- Multimedia journalism
Options
- Aerospace science
- Principles of computer science
- Computer science (AP)
- Business law
- Marketing
- Industrial design
- Mechatronics
- Mobile game development
- Computer science fundamentals
- Network support
- Cybersecurity
- Technical design
- Woodworking
- Business management and leadership
- Introduction to finance and technology
- Accounting
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Water polo
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Competitive cheerleading and dance
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Water polo
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Swimming
- Softball
Clubs
- Marching band
- Choir
- Orchestra
- Theatre
- Chess
- Creative writing
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Fantasy football
- Foreign cinema
- Fashion
- Anime
- Key Club
- Korean culture
- Mathletes
- Medical Club
- Literature
- Sports debate
- STEM IT UP
- Crochet and knitting
Placentia Yorba Linda 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 | $44,000 | no. 47 of 59 | 20% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $25,600 | no. 32 of 47 | 13% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (California): ranked 8 of 13 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (California): ranked 4 of 11 districts for the semester.
- Compared with San Luis Coastal: $4,600 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $20,100 more (84%).
- Within the same state (California), the cheapest is San Luis Coastal ($39,400): this district costs $4,600 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 Placentia Yorba Linda
How much does the school year cost in Placentia Yorba Linda?
$44,000 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Placentia Yorba Linda?
$25,600 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Placentia Yorba Linda expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 47 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 20% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (California), it ranks 8 of 13.
Can I go to Placentia Yorba Linda for just one semester?
Yes, Placentia Yorba Linda also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Placentia Yorba Linda?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Placentia Yorba Linda.
How old do I need to be to go to Placentia Yorba Linda?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
Which airport do I fly into for Placentia Yorba Linda?
Via Los Angeles airport (LAX).
Sophie knows Placentia 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.
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- San Luis Coastal Unified School DistrictSan Luis Obispo, California
- Torrance Unified School DistrictTorrance, California
- Alameda Unified School DistrictAlameda, California
Placentia Yorba Linda, Placentia: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.