F-1 Public · Virginia
Virginia Beach Public Schools
The no. 5 best large district in the United States, the International Baccalaureate and eleven high schools in the country's top 9%, on the Atlantic coast — for those who come first and foremost for academic standards.
- F-1 visa
Virginia Beach fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Arrival airport
- Norfolk International (ORF)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,500 to 2,000 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from 0 °C to 30.5 °C
- High school diploma possible
- no
- Semester possible
- no
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- School year 2027-2028
- $39,100
- Checked on
- 14 October 2026
A week in Virginia Beach
In the morning, an IB or AP class, at one of the eleven high schools ranked by the Washington Post in the country's top 9%. Worth knowing before you choose: F-1 pupils train with the teams but do not play in matches — Virginia Beach is an academically focused district. So in the afternoon, rowing or swimming practice, then robotics, the marching band or the photography club. At the weekend, the five-kilometre boardwalk along the oceanfront, shows at the Sandler Center, and kayaking at Little Neck. From 0 to 30.5 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- Ranked no. 5 among large school districts in the United States.
- The International Baccalaureate in a district with eleven elite high schools.
- A five-kilometre boardwalk on the Atlantic and kayaking at Little Neck.
Courses, sports and clubs in Virginia Beach
- 55 courses
- 18 sports
- 18 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Mathematics (9 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Algebra I (Honors)
- Algebra II and trigonometry
- Calculus (AP)
- Geometry (Honors)
- Probability and statistics
- Statistics (AP)
- Programming
- Computer science (AP)
- Discrete mathematics
Science
- Biology (AP)
- Chemistry (AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Earth science
- Astronomy
- Environmental science (AP)
- Oceanography
Humanities
- World geography
- World history
- Virginia and United States history (AP)
- Human geography (AP)
- Psychology (AP)
- Sociology
- Economics
- European history (AP)
- Comparative government (AP)
English
- English 9-12 (Honors)
- Advanced composition
- Language and composition (AP)
- Literature and composition (AP)
- Journalism
- Media studies
Languages
- American Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
- Russian
- German
- Japanese
- Latin
Arts
- Art appreciation
- Art fundamentals
- Ceramics and sculpture
- Drawing and painting
- Advanced art
- Art history (AP)
- Studio art (AP)
- Studio theatre
- Performance theatre
Options
- Public speaking
- Reading for future students
- Anatomy and sports injuries
- Guitar
- Music theory
- Music appreciation
- Film studies
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Soccer
- Cross-country
- Cheerleading
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Swimming
Winter
- Basketball
- Indoor track
- Swimming
- Skiing
- Wrestling
- Cheerleading
Spring
- Golf
- Baseball
- Track and field
- Tennis
- Lacrosse
- Rowing Club
- Softball
Clubs
- Marching band
- Orchestra
- Chorus
- Choir
- Art Club
- Book Club
- Chess
- Debate
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- Theatre
- National Honor Society
- Newspaper
- Yearbook
- Key Club
- Photography
- Robotics
- Puzzles
- Future Business Leaders of America
Virginia Beach 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 | $39,100 | no. 34 of 59 | 7% above the median ($36,550) |
- Compared with Charlotte-Mecklenburg: $2,300 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $15,200 more (64%).
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 Virginia Beach
How much does the school year cost in Virginia Beach?
$39,100 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
Is Virginia Beach expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 34 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 7% above the median price ($36,550).
Can I go to Virginia Beach for just one semester?
No, Virginia Beach only accepts pupils for the full school year.
Can I earn the American diploma in Virginia Beach?
No. Virginia Beach does not award the American diploma to international pupils. If the diploma matters to you, ask Sophie which districts offer it.
What level of English do I need for Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia Beach?
Via Norfolk International airport (ORF).
Sophie knows Virginia Beach 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
Whatever the season, Virginia Beach always has something to offer. The oceanfront has a 5 km boardwalk with original shops and restaurants. Town Center is home to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, a stage for world-famous shows. For outdoor adventure, Little Neck offers kayaking, boating and water sports.
More districts to explore
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsCharlotte, North Carolina
- San Luis Coastal Unified School DistrictSan Luis Obispo, California
- Boise School DistrictBoise, Idaho
Virginia Beach: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.