As one of California’s top charter high schools, IVA High offers a different kind of education—one that is rooted in intellectual virtues and fosters an equitable, academically challenging community where every student can connect, contribute, and belong. IVA High is a small, WASC-accredited, tuition-free charter school where 9th-12th graders from the greater Long Beach area find a place to explore and grow into confident, independent learners. 

What are intellectual virtues? And why do they matter?

Founded in 2016 with a vision to equip students to think well, an IVA High education emphasizes the intellectual virtues as a pathway to effective thinking, learning, and problem-solving. Intellectual virtues are traits like curiosity, open-mindedness, and intellectual courage that empower students to think deeply and make sound decisions. We aren’t teaching students what to think, we are teaching them how to think. 

Cultivating intellectual virtues is not an alternative to subjects like math, history, and science; rather, it is a way of helping students approach and engage with these subjects in a thoughtful and active way. At IVA High, we weave nine virtues into every course with thoughtful instruction, practice, and reflection. We ask big, essential questions, and encourage students to dig deep, build knowledge, and share ideas respectfully. Year after year, we’ve watched teens grow into  adaptable, well-rounded thinkers ready for college, career, and life in an ever-changing world.

When I came here, I just decided to embrace the process. The school has given me a lot of space to grow as a person; in how I see myself, how I see my peers, and even how I see strangers. So as far as virtues go, I have grown in open-mindedness and humility.

-11th Grade IVA High Student

Exploratory Pathways & College Prep

We believe high school is a time to explore, not to have it all figured out. IVA High teachers, 75% of whom hold or are pursuing a graduate degree, ask, “What are you curious about?” and help students discover their passions. Through project-based learning and course offerings that include STEAM, honors, and college prep, students explore their interests in authentic and relevant ways.  

Our College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership with Long Beach City College brings college professors to our campus, offering free, credit-earning courses in fields like creative design, business, and trades. Students can also pursue paid internships with local Long Beach businesses and government offices, building real skills and a solid resume at the same time.

Taking college courses has taught me how to manage my time and take responsibility for my own learning. It helped me to start building habits now that I did not have in middle school. I hold my college classes to a higher standard and really focus on completing my work so that I can continue to pursue my goal of being a firefighter. The experience has given me access to resources and information that have to do with firefighting that I otherwise would not have considered.

-11th grade IVA High Student

Our exploratory pathways broaden horizons, save money on college tuition, and give teens the freedom to try new things without locking them into a narrow path.

IVA High is a Vibrant, Inclusive Community

IVA High is a place where everyone belongs. With class sizes of 22-24 and a student-to-adult ratio under 8:1, no one gets lost in a crowd. Our inclusive community is built on trusted relationships that empower student voices and celebrate each individual who walks through our doors. 

From active student-led clubs like Journalism, Skate Club and our award-winning Debate Club, to events like Spanish Club fiestas, movie nights and the BEST field trips around, students at IVA High become more than classmates – they are members of a vibrant learning community. And diverse learners feel at home in our school, where support and care (like wrap-around counseling with a 33:1 ratio – one of the best in California!) are always available.

The outcome of our innovative model? IVA High students consistently outperform U.S. averages, with 56% proficient in math and 70% in reading. Graduates leave high school equipped with a strong sense of self and critical thinking skills, prepared to attend some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. 

Our small school is a great choice for students who…

…are curious about the world.

…want to blaze their own path.

…thrive in a small school setting.

…seek support and connection.

…enjoy meeting new people and making new friends.

…love field trips, art, and fun.

…want to be themselves in a diverse & inclusive community.

…are ready to explore their options and open doors. 

…are big thinkers.

IVA High enrolls year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. As a tuition-free public charter school of choice, we are open to all students in greater Long Beach. 

Want to connect? We love to chat! We invite you to contact us at (562) 283-4456, visit our website, or take a tour of our unconventional and awesome campus. IVA High is conveniently located on Long Beach Boulevard near PCH, in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, just across the street from the Blue Line metro.

About IVA High

IVA High is a fully accredited, tuition-free public high school in Long Beach, California with a mission to empower students to think well: creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. Our learner-centered approach puts students in charge of their education, while dual enrollment and paid internships transform learning into action. Students come for college prep, STEAM and exploratory pathways for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. Get to know us on social media @ivahigh and on the web at www.ivahigh.org.   IVA High – Curious Minds, Empowered