The Academy
“ Prestigious universities [should] admit more students who have attended schools that teach the intellectual virtues. ”
- N.Y. Times Top 10 Bestseller
Coddling of the American Mind
Imagine a high school where students are asked to care about how their mind works, to wonder together; where students are excited to learn, feel safe, and belong to a caring community. What if this place encouraged students to reflect on how they learn, and viewed perseverance through struggle as an opportunity for growth? There is such a place! IVA High's mission and vision is to provide a challenging, supportive, and thoughtful learning environment focusing on deep understanding, preparing each student for the 21st century.
IVA High Average: 23 |
CA Average: 32 |
IVA High is an inviting, joyful community where every student is cared about, known well, and appreciated for their unique attributes. Part of the reason for this is our dedication to smaller class sizes which allows for more interaction and personalization. We also have a high counselor to student ratio to support academics, social-emotional needs, and to prepare students for life after high school. Combined with our talented faculty and academic rigor, this is naturally becomes a place where students have the freedom to discover their interests, be curious, and better understand themselves in relation to the world in which they live.
We seek to provide opportunities for students to think deeply, moving them from inquiry to impact. Through this process, students find their passion and purpose to engage the world around them. Our talented faculty provides an outstanding educational experience that equips students with a strong academic foundation and valuable life skills through college preparatory, honors, Advanced Placement, and college level courses (through our partnership with Long Beach Community College). Our college accreditation agency (WASC) describes our academic program as “visionary,” citing in part our program’s “worldwide recognition” and national and state test scores.
IVA High students have over 20+ clubs and sports to help them custom design their own high school experience. They create clubs, organize dances, design multiple field trips per year, put together movies/game nights, etc. Staff and partner organizations connect students' curiosities and passions outside of the classroom. With enough interest, students can create their life here at the Academy.
75
Percent Hold a Master's Degree or Higher |
42
Percent Previously Worked at a College Level |
Our talented and diverse teachers design meaningful and relevant learning opportunities through a learner-centered approach. Students are known, valued, and encouraged to construct understanding through the lens of different viewpoints. We value social relationships as a learning opportunity for both student and staff development, therefore our curriculum is responsive to each learner's lived experience. These are some of the reasons why Academy parents rank our teachers above district, charter, and even private school teachers. Just 3% of teacher applicants to the Academy are accepted, 75% of our teachers have a Master’s Degree or above, and about half have taught at the college level.
Top 10% diverse student body
in the state and country
We aim to provide every student with a personalized approach that values their own interests, experiences, and backgrounds. Our learners bring curiosity, courage, dynamic personalities, productive struggle and excitement to the learning process. Each unique identity, culture, and perspective fuels our connectedness. When we listen to our learners, and connect to their interests, needs, and goals, we can create collaborative experiences that develop critical thinking skills and ignite creative power. These characteristics truly make our school a unique place to belong.
To learn more about what makes IVA High a unique and sought after public high school, fill out the fields below!