F-1 Public · California
Torrance Unified School District
A high school three kilometres from the coast, whose campus has served as a set for series and films — for those who want to learn to surf and study in Los Angeles.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- Year or semester
Torrance fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Torrance, California
- Arrival airport
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Size (pupils)
- 2,022 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 11 °C to 28 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- School year 2027-2028
- $42,000
- Semester 2027-2028
- $29,900
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Torrance
In the morning, an AP biology or Honors anatomy class, in a high school with recognisable architecture, seen in many TV series. In the afternoon, the brand-new aquatic centre, water polo, golf or soccer. On Tuesday, the beach: pupils learn to surf on one of the most beautiful beaches in California, less than a kilometre from Torrance South High. On Thursday, the Japanese or Korean culture club, hip-hop or sports medicine. At the weekend, the Del Amo Fashion Center, the markets, the restaurants, and Los Angeles just to the north. From 11 to 28 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- A historic campus seen in many American TV series and films.
- One of the most beautiful beaches in California less than a kilometre away.
- A brand-new aquatic centre and STEM, arts and sports programmes.
Courses, sports and clubs in Torrance
- 40 courses
- 13 sports
- 17 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (7 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I-II (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Introduction to engineering
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
Science
- Anatomy and physiology (Honors)
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Environmental science (AP)
- Physics (AP)
Humanities
- Government and macroeconomics (AP)
- Human geography (AP)
- United States history (AP)
- World history (AP)
- United States government and economics
- World humanities
English
- English (AP)
- English 9-12 (Honors)
- English workshop
- Science fiction
- American literature
Languages
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Korean
- French
Arts
- Music theory (AP)
- Art (AP)
- Fashion design
- Dance
- Jazz
- Cheerleading
- Theatre management
Options
- Accounting
- Ceramics
- Dance
- Design and architecture
- Psychology (AP)
- Marine science
- Stagecraft
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- American football
- Water polo
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Golf
Winter
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Water polo
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Softball
Clubs
- Student council
- Anime
- Chess
- Fashion
- Creative writing
- Fine arts
- Feminist Club
- Hip-hop
- Japanese culture
- Korean culture
- Honor Society
- Sports medicine
- UNICEF
- GSA
- Botany society
- Charity baking
- American Red Cross
Torrance 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 | $42,000 | no. 40 of 59 | 15% above the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $29,900 | no. 46 of 47 | 31% above the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (California): ranked 4 of 13 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (California): ranked 11 of 11 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Alameda: $4,600 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $18,100 more (76%).
- Within the same state (California), the cheapest is San Luis Coastal ($39,400): this district costs $2,600 more (7%).
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 Torrance
How much does the school year cost in Torrance?
$42,000 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Torrance?
$29,900 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Torrance expensive compared with other districts?
Yes, among the most expensive: ranked 40 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 15% above the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (California), it ranks 4 of 13.
Can I go to Torrance for just one semester?
Yes, Torrance also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Torrance?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Torrance.
What level of English do I need for Torrance?
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 Torrance?
Via Los Angeles airport (LAX).
Sophie knows Torrance 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
For a stay on the California coast, Torrance is ideal. Just south of downtown Los Angeles, it makes the city easy to explore. Pupils enjoy beautiful beaches, learn to surf, shop at the local markets and the Del Amo Fashion Center, and discover excellent restaurants in one of the best towns in the metropolitan area.
More districts to explore
- Alameda Unified School DistrictAlameda, California
- Anaheim Union High School DistrictAnaheim, California
- Antelope Valley School DistrictLancaster, California
Torrance: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.