F-1 Public · Washington
Tacoma Public Schools
At the foot of Mount Rainier, on the bay, a "flagship" Washington State district that tries things before the others — for those who want an international city on a human scale.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Tacoma fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Tacoma, Washington
- Arrival airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,500 to 1,900 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 2 °C to 22 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $34,800
- Semester 2027-2028
- $22,150
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Tacoma
In the morning, an AP world history or chemistry class, in the state's third-largest district, known for leading the way for the others. In the afternoon, the Foss High pool, water polo, lacrosse or bowling. On Tuesday, the woodwork club, dance or Navy JROTC. On Thursday, the green club, skiing or table tennis. At the weekend, Tacoma's revitalised downtown, its world-class museums, its waterfront on Commencement Bay, and Mount Rainier towering over everything. Seattle is not far. A mild climate, from 2 to 22 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- A "flagship" district that tries out new programmes before the state's 296 other districts.
- Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay as an everyday backdrop.
- World-class museums and a downtown that has won awards for its architecture.
Courses, sports and clubs in Tacoma
- 46 courses
- 17 sports
- 19 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (11 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-IV
- Geometry
- Pre-calculus
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Trigonometry and statistics
- Bridge to college mathematics
- Financial algebra
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry (AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Overview of physiology
Humanities
- World history (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- Civics and global issues
- United States government (AP)
- Business and marketing
English
- English I-IV (Honors)
- Language and composition (AP)
- Literature and composition (AP)
- Bridge to college English
Languages
- French
- Spanish
- American Sign Language
- Korean
Arts
- Percussion techniques
- Symphony orchestra
- Concert band
- Jazz choir
- Orchestral techniques
- Theatre production
- Photography
- Jazz orchestra
- Introduction to art
- Printmaking
- Illustration
Options
- Computer science (AP)
- Game design
- Technical design
- Web design
- Entrepreneurship
- Culinary arts
- Yearbook
- Microsoft IT Academy
- Multimedia production
- Modern dance
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Cross-country
- Golf
- Tennis
- Water polo
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Swimming and diving
- Cheerleading
Winter
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Swimming and diving
- Bowling
Spring
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Softball
- Tennis
- Unified soccer
- Water polo
Clubs
- Art society
- Marching band
- Choir
- Dance
- Theatre
- Debate
- Feminist Club
- Green Club
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- Honor Society
- Skiing
- Yearbook
- Table tennis
- Photo
- Woodworking
- Mathematics
- Navy JROTC
- Orchestra
- Youth Leading Change
Tacoma 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 | $34,800 | no. 26 of 59 | 5% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $22,150 | no. 22 of 47 | 3% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Washington): ranked 1 of 2 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Washington): ranked 1 of 2 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Seattle: $8,900 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $10,900 more (46%).
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 Tacoma
How much does the school year cost in Tacoma?
$34,800 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Tacoma?
$22,150 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Tacoma expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 26 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 5% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Washington), it ranks 1 of 2.
Can I go to Tacoma for just one semester?
Yes, Tacoma also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Tacoma?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Tacoma.
How old do I need to be to go to Tacoma?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
Via Seattle-Tacoma International airport (SEA).
Sophie knows Tacoma 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.
Many schools have been recently renovated and offer fine campuses. All have extensive sports facilities; some (such as Foss High School) have their own pool.
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- Seattle Public SchoolsSeattle, Washington
- Denver Public SchoolsDenver, Colorado
- Indian River Charter High SchoolVero Beach, Florida
Tacoma: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.