F-1 Public · Iowa
Urbandale High School
The heart of America, twenty minutes from Des Moines, with one of the finest performing arts centres in Iowa — for musicians and actors who want genuine Midwestern friendliness.
- F-1 visa
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Urbandale fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Urbandale, Iowa
- Arrival airport
- Des Moines International (DSM)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,326 in the high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from -9 °C to 29 °C
- High school diploma possible
- no
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- Minimum 218 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 18 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $28,200
- Semester 2027-2028
- $18,150
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Urbandale
In the morning, one of the hundred semester courses, including AP human geography or European history. In the afternoon, the fitness centre — 865 m² of weight training — the stadium or bowling. On Tuesday, the marching band, the orchestra or drama, in one of the finest performing arts centres in the state, with modern stage management and lighting; pupils perform at the town's festivals and parades. On Thursday, robotics, cyber defence or Mock Trial. At the weekend, Des Moines, its farmers' markets and botanical garden, Merle Hay Mall, and a Buccaneers hockey game. From -9 to 29 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- One of the finest performing arts centres in Iowa.
- A renowned arts programme: marching band, orchestra, drama, singing.
- A hockey town, with the Des Moines Buccaneers.
Courses, sports and clubs in Urbandale
- 67 courses
- 12 sports
- 20 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (14 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Algebra I and II (A, B)
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Probability and statistics
- Algebra applications
- Pre-calculus
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics (AP)
Science
- Life science
- Biology (AP)
- Advanced biology
- Chemistry
- Advanced chemistry
- Physics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Environmental science (AP)
Humanities
- Cultural geography I and II
- Human geography (AP)
- Global issues
- World history
- European history (AP)
- American history (AP)
- American government (AP)
- Economics
- Psychology (AP)
- Sociology (AP)
- Non-Western world history
English
- Advanced English
- Language and literature
- American literature
- English literature (AP)
- Public speaking
- Public speaking
- Writing techniques
- Advanced composition I and II
Languages
- Spanish
- German
- Japanese
Arts
- Art exploration
- Three-dimensional art
- Two-dimensional art
- Studio art I-IV
- Photography I and II
- Ceramics
- Animation I and II
- Digital graphic design
- Advanced drawing and painting
- Marching band
- Jazz orchestra
- Women's choir / men's choir
- Treble choir
- Urbandale Singers
Options
- Cultural issues
- Theatre
- Journalism
- Computer applications
- Multimedia and basic software
- Introduction to computer science
- Computer-aided drafting (CAD)
- Computer design and animation
- Architectural drawing
- Wood technology
- Construction
- Building trades
- Introduction to engineering and design
- Principles of engineering
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Golf
- Cross-country
- American football
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
Winter
- Bowling
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Wrestling
Spring
- Track and field
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Golf
Clubs
- Academic decathlon
- ACE mentoring programme
- Anime
- Best Buddies
- Racial equity club
- Cyber defence
- Esports team
- Fishing
- Video games
- German club
- Battle of the Books
- Key Club
- Mock Trial
- National Honor Society
- Political action
- Robotics
- Support groups
- Student senate
- TEC (equality club)
- UHS Ambassadors
Urbandale 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 | $28,200 | no. 5 of 59 | 23% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $18,150 | no. 3 of 47 | 20% below the median ($22,750) |
- Compared with Eden Prairie: $2,850 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this high school costs $4,300 more (18%).
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 Urbandale
How much does the school year cost in Urbandale?
$28,200 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Urbandale?
$18,150 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Urbandale expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 5 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 23% below the median price ($36,550).
Can I go to Urbandale for just one semester?
Yes, Urbandale also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Urbandale?
No. Urbandale 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 Urbandale?
Between 14 and 18 years old.
What level of English do I need for Urbandale?
An ELTiS score of 218. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Urbandale?
Via Des Moines International airport (DSM).
Sophie knows Urbandale as if she lived there.
The high school, 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
More districts to explore
- Eden Prairie SchoolsEden Prairie, Minnesota
- Scottsburg Senior High SchoolScottsburg, Indiana
- Stearns High SchoolMillinocket, Maine
Urbandale: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.