F-1 Public · Washington
Seattle Public Schools
The Space Needle, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier on the horizon, in Washington State's largest district — for those who want STEM in one of the liveliest cities in the country.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Seattle fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Arrival airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
- Size (pupils)
- 500 to 2,000 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 2 °C to 22 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 5 years of English classes required
- Age
- 14 to 19 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $43,700
- Semester 2027-2028
- $25,900
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Seattle
In the morning, an AP physics or statistics class, in a district of 88 schools known for its STEM programmes. In the afternoon, gymnastics, bowling or American football, in impressive facilities. On Tuesday, ultimate frisbee, the adventure club or the mathematics society. On Thursday, Model UN, photography or the knitting club. At the weekend, Seattle: the Space Needle, the Puget Sound waterfront, and on clear days Mount Rainier in the distance — with fine hikes on the city's doorstep. A mild climate, from 2 to 22 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- The largest district in Washington State, with excellent STEM programmes.
- The Space Needle, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.
- Ultimate frisbee, Model UN and an adventure club.
Courses, sports and clubs in Seattle
- 49 courses
- 15 sports
- 18 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (13 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-II (Honors)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus — standard · AP
- Statistics (AP)
- Financial algebra
Science
- Biology (AP)
- Integrated science
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Forensic science
- Materials science
Humanities
- World history I-III
- World history (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- American government
- United States government and politics (AP)
- Economics
English
- English I-IV (Honors)
- English literature and composition (AP)
- Journalism
- English as a second language (ESL)
Languages
- Spanish
- French
- Chinese
Arts
- Drawing and painting I-II
- Studio art (AP)
- Ceramics
- Graphic design
- Theatre
- Concert band
- Symphony orchestra
- Percussion ensemble
- Chorus
- Orchestra
- Guitar
- Piano
- Jazz ensemble
Options
- Yearbook
- CAD design and engineering I-II
- Introduction to programming
- Computer science (AP)
- Computer projects I-II
- Robotics I-II
- Digital photo
- Culinary arts
- Nutrition
- Woodworking
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Cheerleading
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Swimming
Winter
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Swimming
- Bowling
- Gymnastics
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- Ultimate frisbee
- Adventure
- Asian American Association
- Debate
- Diversity
- Earth Club
- Feminism
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- Knitting
- Mathematics society
- Model UN
- STEM
- Photography
- Technology
- Unified sports
- Writers
- PvP video games
- Student health council
Seattle 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 | $43,700 | no. 44 of 59 | 20% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $25,900 | no. 33 of 47 | 14% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Washington): ranked 2 of 2 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Washington): ranked 2 of 2 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Tacoma: $8,900 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $19,800 more (83%).
- Within the same state (Washington), the cheapest is Tacoma ($34,800): this district costs $8,900 more (26%).
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 Seattle
How much does the school year cost in Seattle?
$43,700 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Seattle?
$25,900 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Seattle expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 44 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 20% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Washington), it ranks 2 of 2.
Can I go to Seattle for just one semester?
Yes, Seattle also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Seattle?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Seattle.
How old do I need to be to go to Seattle?
Between 14 and 19 years old.
Which airport do I fly into for Seattle?
Via Seattle-Tacoma International airport (SEA).
Sophie knows Seattle 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.
Classrooms equipped with cutting-edge learning technology, libraries, gyms, weight rooms, science laboratories and cafeterias. Impressive sports facilities and grounds.
Daily life there
Seattle is one of the most iconic cities in the United States. Its recognisable skyline, with the Space Needle, rises beside the superb Puget Sound. On clear days you can see Mount Rainier in the distance, the highest peak in the Cascades. With fine hikes on the doorstep of a city brimming with culture, Seattle is one of the most beautiful and lively cities in the country.
More districts to explore
- Tacoma Public SchoolsTacoma, Washington
- Antelope Valley School DistrictLancaster, California
- Montpelier High SchoolMontepelier, Vermont
Seattle: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.