F-1 Public · California
San Luis Coastal Unified School District
California's Central Coast, between green hills and beaches, with two highly rated high schools and a polytechnic university in town — for those who want to study facing the ocean.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 15
- Year or semester
San Luis Coastal fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Arrival airport
- San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,400 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 8 °C to 22 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 703 (ELTiS 2.0) or 53 on the TOEFL iBT
- Age
- 15 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $39,400
- Semester 2027-2028
- $23,300
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in San Luis Coastal
In the morning, an AP physics class at San Luis Obispo High or Morro Bay High, two highly rated high schools. In the afternoon, water polo at the Morro Bay aquatic centre, or golf, soccer, swimming. On Tuesday, underwater robotics, the kayak club or the surf club. On Thursday, swing dance or Mock Trial. At the weekend, the beaches of Montaña de Oro and Avila Beach, cycling, windsurfing, and the Cal Poly atmosphere. A mild climate all year round, from 8 to 22 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- Two highly rated high schools, one with an impressive aquatic centre.
- The beaches of Montaña de Oro and Avila Beach for surfing and kayaking.
- An underwater robotics club and a university town.
Courses, sports and clubs in San Luis Coastal
- 51 courses
- 13 sports
- 15 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Options (11 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-II (Honors)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Applied mathematics
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry (AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Microbiology and marine biology
- Astronomy
- Environmental science
Humanities
- World history
- European history (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- American government (AP)
- Economics
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Microeconomics (AP)
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminal justice
English
- English I-III
- English language, literature and composition (AP)
- Argumentative reading and writing
- Creative writing
- English language development (ELD)
Languages
- Latin
- Spanish
- American Sign Language
Arts
- Ceramics
- Art (AP)
- Digital photo
- Electronic media
- Digital film production
- TV and video production
- Performing arts
- Theatre
- Choir
- Jazz orchestra
Options
- Computer science principles (AP)
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Film studies
- Fashion design
- Interior design
- Merchandising
- Culinary arts
- Principles of engineering
- Guitar
- Yearbook production
- Newspaper production
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- American football
- Water polo
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Golf
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf
- Swimming and diving
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Softball
Clubs
- Art Club
- Environment
- History of music
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Society of Women Engineers
- Students for Social Justice
- Tabletop role-playing games
- Robotics
- Underwater robotics
- Swing dance
- Theatre arts
- Mock Trial
- Powerlifting
- Dance Fusion
San Luis Coastal 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 | $39,400 | no. 35 of 59 | 8% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $23,300 | no. 25 of 47 | 2% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (California): ranked 1 of 13 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (California): ranked 1 of 11 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Torrance: $2,600 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $15,500 more (65%).
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 San Luis Coastal
How much does the school year cost in San Luis Coastal?
$39,400 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in San Luis Coastal?
$23,300 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is San Luis Coastal expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 35 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 8% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (California), it ranks 1 of 13.
Can I go to San Luis Coastal for just one semester?
Yes, San Luis Coastal also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in San Luis Coastal?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in San Luis Coastal.
How old do I need to be to go to San Luis Coastal?
Between 15 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for San Luis Coastal?
An ELTiS score of 703. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for San Luis Coastal?
Via San Luis Obispo County Regional airport (SBP).
Sophie knows San Luis Obispo 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.
San Luis Obispo High School and Morro Bay High School both have extensive teaching and sports facilities, including sports fields and computer rooms. Morro Bay High School even has an impressive aquatic centre.
Daily life there
On California's Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is one of the most beautiful places in the state. The beaches of Montaña de Oro and Avila Beach make the sunshine a daily pleasure. Kayaking, windsurfing, cycling and hiking are among the locals' pastimes. The town is also home to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly).
More districts to explore
- Torrance Unified School DistrictTorrance, California
- Alameda Unified School DistrictAlameda, California
- Anaheim Union High School DistrictAnaheim, California
San Luis Coastal, San Luis Obispo: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.