Las Virgenes Unified: STEM-focused high school near Los Angeles

California represents the American dream for many Brazilians. Iconic beaches, Mediterranean climate, and the center of the technology and entertainment industry. Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) is in the state's most privileged region, 50 kilometers from Los Angeles, serving thriving communities such as Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Hidden Hills. It is one of the top 10% school districts in California for academic performance.

The district serves 1,800 students through schools with modern infrastructure, award-winning arts programs, and International Baccalaureate curriculum. Located between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific coast, LVUSD offers exceptional quality of life combined with academic rigor that prepares you for the best American universities.

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Strategic location close to Hollywood

Las Virgenes is 43 minutes' drive from downtown Los Angeles, a privileged geographical position. Students have easy access to world-class museums, cultural events, Malibu beaches, and entertainment industry attractions. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is nearby, facilitating arrivals and departures for Brazilians.

The Calabasas region is renowned for being home to celebrities, executives, and successful professionals. This is reflected in the quality of schools, community safety, and available resources. Malibu Creek State Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking landscapes, while The Commons at Calabasas is a shopping and entertainment center where students meet on the weekends.

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Superior academic performance

LVUSD is among the top 10% districts in California for math and reading proficiency, consistently outperforming state averages. Schools in the district received California Distinguished School awards and National Blue Ribbon recognition, certifications that attest to educational excellence.

The district adopts a philosophy of “knowing each student by name and serving by individual strength and need.” Smaller classes allow for personalized attention. The college approval rate is over 95%, with graduates being accepted to UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, Stanford, and other elite institutions.

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Technology integrated with learning

The Forward Learning 1:1 program provides an individual device for each student. This initiative transformed the dynamics of classes, allowing immediate access to digital resources, collaborative platforms, and research tools.

Key technological resources:

• Science laboratories with modern equipment
• Digital libraries with thousands of titles
• Smart classrooms for interactive presentations
• Online platforms for collaboration between students

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International Baccalaureate Curriculum

Las Virgenes offers a complete IB program, recognized worldwide for its academic rigor. Students develop critical thinking, independent research, and intercultural communication skills. The IB degree is accepted and valued by universities in more than 150 countries.

The IB curriculum includes unique components such as Theory of Knowledge, which teaches students to question the nature of knowledge in different disciplines. This philosophical approach complements technical learning and prepares for academic university debates.

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STEM and science programs

The Virgins invests heavily in science and technology education. Students have access to advanced disciplines that prepare for careers in engineering, medicine, and technology.

Available STEM courses:

• Physics (three levels including advanced mechanics)
• Chemistry and biology
• Environmental and forensic science
• Computer Science A and Programming Principles
• Calculus AB, BC and statistics

The district also offers a scientific research program where students develop original projects under the guidance of teachers. Some works are presented at regional and state science fairs, winning recognition and awards.

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Performing Arts Education Centers

Las Virgenes has two professional-standard Performing Arts Education Centers (PAECs), one at Agoura High School and the other at Calabasas High School. These centers have modern stages, theatre-quality sound and lighting systems, and equipped rehearsal spaces.

PAECs not only serve students, but the entire community. Theater performances, musical concerts, and artistic events take place regularly, creating a vibrant cultural environment. Performing arts students rehears and perform in facilities that rival professional theaters.

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Competitive athletic programs

The district offers a wide range of sports at competitive levels. Calabasas and Agoura High Schools have teams that regularly compete in state championships, with several athletes going on to university and even professional competitions.

Main sports:

• Soccer, basketball and volleyball
• Swimming and water polo
• Athletics and cross country
• Tennis and golf
• Baseball and softball

Participating in athletics in Las Virgenes develops discipline and teamwork. Many students get partial athletic scholarships to universities, significantly reducing graduation costs. For interested Brazilians, combine sports exchange with academic excellence it is an intelligent strategy.

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Special programs and pathways

LVUSD recognizes that students have diverse interests and needs. For this reason, it offers specialized programs that meet different profiles.

Available options:

• Waldorf-inspired education (focus on creativity and holistic development)
• Bilingual immersion in foreign languages
• Specialized Pathways in STEM, Arts, and Global Studies
• Programs for gifted students

These pathways allow young people to explore areas of interest deeply while maintaining a complete academic curriculum. Those with a passion for technology can focus on programming and engineering, while artists develop robust portfolios in music, theater, or visual arts.

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Supporting emotional well-being

Las Virgenes prioritizes mental health and student well-being. All schools in the district have full-time counselors dedicated to supporting students emotionally and academically.

This support is crucial for international students who face unique challenges. Being away from home, adapting to the new culture, and dealing with academic pressure in a foreign language can be stressful. Having access to trained professionals makes all the difference in the experience of High school in the United States.

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Languages and Global Studies

The district offers three foreign languages with advanced levels that prepare for international certifications.

Available languages:

• Spanish (including Spanish for native speakers)
• French
• Chinese

Students can take courses such as Human Geography and global studies that explore international issues, commerce, politics, and culture. This global perspective prepares young people for universities and careers in an increasingly connected world.

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Notable alumni

Las Virgenes has formed well-known personalities in music, entertainment, and sports. Mike Shinoda, lead singer and instrumentalist of the band Linkin Park, studied in the district. Actress Katie Cassidy, known for series like Arrow, is also a former student. These examples demonstrate how Las Virgenes' educational environment supports diverse talent. Whether in the arts or sciences, students find resources and mentoring to develop their passions at a high level.

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Thriving and safe community

The region served by LVUSD has a population of approximately 65,000 people in communities considered to be among the safest and most prosperous in California. The local infrastructure is excellent, with efficient public services, well-maintained parks, and abundant leisure options.

This quality of life is directly reflected in the school experience. Host families in Calabasas and Agoura Hills generally have comfortable financial resources and provide a welcoming environment for international students. The region's security provides peace of mind for parents in Brazil.

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Admission requirements

To apply for Las Virgenes Unified, Brazilian students must:

• Be attending from the 10th to the 12th year (2nd or 3rd year of high school)
• Prove English through:
  • ELTIS 2: minimum 725 points (high requirement)
  • TOEFL: minimum 80 points
  • Duolingo: minimum 95 points
• Present a well-performing school transcript
• No interview required

English language requirements are more stringent than other schools, reflecting the high academic level. The district offers ESL (English as Second Language) support for international students, facilitating initial language adaptation. This support sets LVUSD apart from schools that don't offer language assistance.

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Program options and availability

Las Virgenes accepts students for a semester or full academic year. The district does not offer a 1+1 program nor does it allow obtaining an American degree (only credits that are validated in Brazil).

Availability:

• Full school year: beginning in August 2026 (OPEN)
• Fall semester: August to December 2026 (OPEN)
• Spring semester: January to May 2026 (CLOSED)

Planning ahead is essential, especially for Las Virgenes where spaces are limited due to high demand. The I-20 (student visa document) issuance process takes time, so applications must begin 6 to 10 months in advance.

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Housing with host family

International students live with host families managed by Educatius. Families in Calabasas and Agoura Hills undergo rigorous selection and offer a safe and welcoming environment.

The student has their own room, participates in family meals and experiences authentic Californian daily life. Living with a local family accelerates English development exponentially compared to living with only other international students. Coordinators make regular visits and are available 24 hours a day for any need.

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Ideal Mediterranean climate

The region has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, mild winters and more than 280 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures rarely fall below 10°C in winter or exceed 35°C in summer, providing comfort throughout the school year.

This climate allows for constant outdoor activities. Students enjoy mountain trails, beaches 30 minutes away, and outdoor sports practically every day. For Brazilians who are used to a tropical climate, adaptation is easy and pleasant.

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Cost-benefit of a premium public school

Las Virgenes offers the highest quality educational experience at a significantly lower cost than private boarding schools in California. Private schools in the region can cost three to four times more, without necessarily offering commensurate academic advantages.

The district invests abundant municipal resources in education, resulting in modern facilities, well-paid teachers, and special programs without compromising the family budget. For families seeking educational excellence with financial responsibility, LVUSD is a smart choice.

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Recommended language preparation

Due to strict English language requirements, proper preparation is crucial. Arriving at an advanced level of the language allows you to take full advantage of the IB curriculum and complex academic discussions.

Invest in focused English courses in academic vocabulary, formal writing and listening comprehension before boarding make a significant difference. Students who arrive well prepared linguistically are able to maintain high GPAs and actively participate in extracurricular activities from day one.

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Be Easy

Las Virgenes Unified offers a rare combination of academic excellence, prime California location, and exceptional quality of life. Be Easy facilitates your access to this competitive district, providing guidance on admission requirements, language preparation, and visa process. Our team knows California schools deeply and can help you maximize your chances of passing. Contact us and start planning your experience in one of the most desired regions in the United States.