F-1 Public · Arizona
Scottsdale Unified School District
Biotechnology, engineering, computer science and the IB programme at the gateway to the Sonoran Desert — for those who want science, art and one of the most beautiful views in the world.
- F-1 visa
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Scottsdale fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Arrival airport
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,500 to 2,000 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 2 °C to 42 °C
- High school diploma possible
- no
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $28,750
- Semester 2027-2028
- $18,400
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Scottsdale
In the morning, a biotechnology class, AP computer science or the IB programme at Desert Mountain High, in a district that has raised its standards and invested in classroom technology. In the afternoon, golf, American football or swimming, on grounds made for sport all year round. On Tuesday, the DECA club, Mock Trial or the international club. On Thursday, film or Dungeons & Dragons. At the weekend, Scottsdale: more than 100 art galleries, horse riding and hiking in the desert, 600 restaurants, and Phoenix next door. From 2 to 42 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- Biotechnology, engineering, computer science and the IB programme at Desert Mountain.
- The Sonoran Desert and one of the most beautiful views in the world.
- More than 100 art galleries and 600 restaurants in town.
Courses, sports and clubs in Scottsdale
- 58 courses
- 12 sports
- 17 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Mathematics (10 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I
- Algebra II (Honors)
- Algebra III and trigonometry
- Pre-calculus and trigonometry (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Business mathematics
- Computer science (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Financial mathematics
Science
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (Honors)
- Earth and space science (Honors)
- Environmental science (AP)
- Oceanography and astronomy
- Zoology and botany
Humanities
- World history (Honors, AP)
- American and Arizona history (Honors)
- United States history (AP)
- United States government and politics (AP)
- Economics and free enterprise
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Criminology
- Psychology (AP)
- Sociology
English
- English I-IV (Honors, AP)
- College English
- Creative writing
- Journalism
- Public speaking
- Newspaper production
- Reading improvement
Languages
- French
- Japanese
- Mandarin
- Russian
- Spanish
Arts
- Dance
- History of rock'n'roll
- Music appreciation
- Musical theatre
- Studio art
- Art history
- Drawing and painting
- Fashion and textiles
- Photography and digital media
- Sculpture
Options
- Introduction to communication
- Critical thinking
- Principles of real estate
- Student leadership and government
- Film and television
- Business
- Graphic design and advertising
- Sports medicine
- Cooking
- Hospitality and tourism
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Swimming
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- Marching band
- Orchestra
- Choir
- Chess
- Book Club
- Calculus
- Creative writing
- DECA (entrepreneurship)
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Environment
- Art Club
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- International Club
- Mathematics
- Mock Trial
- Film
- National Honor Society
Scottsdale 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 | $28,750 | no. 7 of 59 | 21% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $18,400 | no. 4 of 47 | 19% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 1 of 6 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Arizona): ranked 1 of 5 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Cave Creek: $3,450 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $4,850 more (20%).
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 Scottsdale
How much does the school year cost in Scottsdale?
$28,750 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Scottsdale?
$18,400 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Scottsdale expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 7 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 21% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Arizona), it ranks 1 of 6.
Can I go to Scottsdale for just one semester?
Yes, Scottsdale also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Scottsdale?
No. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Scottsdale?
An ELTiS score of 220. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Scottsdale?
Via Phoenix airport (PHX).
Sophie knows Scottsdale 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 grounds for sport all year round; classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology. Desert Mountain High School offers the IB programme.
Daily life there
Scottsdale, at the gateway to the Sonoran Desert, offers one of the most beautiful views in the world. The city has more than 100 art galleries, renowned museums and quality shows. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are popular. Scottsdale is also home to upmarket shopping centres and more than 600 restaurants serving every cuisine.
More districts to explore
- Cave Creek Unified School DistrictCave Creek, Arizona
- Gilbert Public SchoolsGilbert, Arizona
- Hamilton High SchoolChandler, Arizona
Scottsdale: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.