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Intellectual Virtues Academy

Fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-growth since 2016.

Who We Are

We are a public Long Beach High School inclusive of all learners.

What We Do

We empower learners to impact their communities while developing a deeper understanding of themselves, academics, and the world through Project-Based Learning.

Why We Exist

We co-construct an equitable, academically challenging community where learners connect, contribute, and belong. We prepare our students for college, career, and life.

AXS College & Career Pathways

University Pathway

Get a head start on your college goals with free dual enrollment college credits, rigorous coursework, and expert advising.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathway

Graduate with more than a diploma. Earn certifications, gain paid work experience, and build career-ready skills that open doors.

Individualized Pathway

Create your own pathway by blending college prep, hands-on career experience, and dual enrollment into a high school education that fits your goals and passions.

Upcoming Events

Board Meeting 7 p.m. – 9 p.m

June 3

Board Meeting 7 p.m. – 9 p.m

June 3

IVA High School Tours Available

June 3 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

2nd Sem. Finals

June 8 - June 11

IVA High School Tours Available

June 10 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

End of 2nd Sem

June 11

Graduation (Non-School Day)

June 12

Fourth Quarter Faculty Academy

June 15 - June 16

@IVAHigh

We are excited to announce our new IVA High Principal, Ms. Maigon Buckner. We are looking forward to welcoming her to join our empowered community. 🎉 🙌🏼 Ms. Buckner received her BA in English Literature/Humanities from CSU Dominguez Hills @csudominguezhills and continued at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education @pepperdine where she earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Going from administrative work in the government sector to a new career was a big shift, but she soon found her stride in Education, teaching English Language Arts 📖 in high school and serving as an administrator for the past 18 years. ✨ “I’m so excited to join a team of amazing people committed to nurturing the success of your people.” ✨ Please join us on Thursday, June 4th from 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. for our Coffee and Community Event ☕️ to meet our new Principal!
🎉 Big news, IVA High community! We are thrilled to introduce our new Principal, Ms. Maigon Buckner! Known to students as Ms. Buck, she was our top choice from a competitive pool of applicants, and we couldn’t be more excited that she said yes. Ms. Buck joins us from a small charter school in Los Angeles, where she has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, restorative practices, and developing dynamic Project-Based Learning curriculum. Her passion for student growth, creativity, and positive school culture makes her a natural fit for everything IVA High stands for. As Ms. Sanders shared: “I have so much pride and gratitude for what we have built together at IVA High. I am excited for this next chapter under Ms. Buck’s guidance.” ☕ Come meet Ms. Buck! Join us for our Coffee and Community Event: 📅 Thursday, June 4th ⏰ 8:15–9:15 a.m. 📍 IVA High | 1637 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA See you there!
As we begin to close out the 2025-2026 school year, we want to hear from you. Drop your favorite IVA memory from this year in the comments. The big moments, the small ones, the ones that are hard to explain to anyone who wasn't there. This community is what makes this place what it is. Thank you for being part of it!
After 11 years of extraordinary leadership, our Founding Director and Head of School, Summer Sanders, is stepping away from IVA High at the end of this school year to pursue new opportunities. Mrs. Sanders is a Founding Director, bringing a remarkable depth of experience as a mental health therapist, school counselor, and administrator. Mrs. Sanders was the visionary behind the school's project-based learning pedagogy and award-winning dual enrollment program. She also developed IVA High’s comprehensive school counseling and advisory programs, restorative practice model, and cultivated a collaborative community, empowering student voice and choice. Mrs. Sanders has been an advocate for all students ensuring they have access to a high quality education in a safe, welcoming school. With that wisdom and the dedication to a student-centered vision, Mrs. Sanders built something rare at IVA High: a school where intellectual virtue growth is evident on every painted wall, in every classroom, and within every community member, past and present. Due to her dedication, students continue to learn more about themselves and one another. Her legacy is building a thoughtful, supportive, and empowered learning community that continues to belong to all of us! We couldn't be more grateful for her commitment to building something so meaningful. We celebrate you, Mrs. Sanders. Thank you for a decade of vision, dedication, and love for this community. IVA High exists because you believed it could!
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Our Virtues

Creative

Curiosity, Open-Mindedness, Intellectual Courage

Critical Thinking

Intellectual Attentiveness, Intellectual Carefulness, Intellectual Thoroughness

Self-Growth

Intellectual Autonomy, Intellectual Humility, Intellectual Tenacity

Our Key Facts

98% Parent Satisfaction

15+ Clubs & Sports

23 Students (avg. class size; CA avg. 32)

Voted #1 Charter School in Long Beach for 7 Years

’20, ’21, ’22, ’26 Best School for Diversity (Awarded by Niche)

60% of Faculty Hold a Master’s Degree or Higher

7 yrs. of Consecutive Test Score Growth Above the U.S. Average

97% of Graduates Earn Free College Credits

Latest News

Read our blog for the latest information about IVA High

Interested in enrolling your student?

Contact us today for more information!

Affiliations

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

National Collegiate Athletic Association

Los Angeles County Office of Education

Long Beach City College

Want to learn more about IVA High?

“Small, intimate, challenging and accepting, IVA High recognizes what is special in each of its students.”

IVA High Parent

“Career Day made me realize my journey can be unpredictable.”

IVA High Student

“A great school that meets you where you are and gives you extra help to ensure you grasp the topics and walk away with more than academics.”

IVA High Parent

“I have seen my son grow in ways I never imagined, I see their love for his progress and their willingness to help him become a better student AND human being.”

IVA High Parent

“[After Career Day] now there are even more careers I’m interested in.”

IVA High Student

“IVA has made my son feel comfortable and heard.”

IVA High Parent

“Since coming here, my grades have improved and I actually understand and am interested in what we are learning.”

IVA High Student

“We are given so many opportunities to see how the world is like outside of ourselves. (open-mindedness)”

IVA High Student

“At IVA High the students are close with the teachers. We are able to be open and talk to them. It feels more natural.”

IVA High Student

“Career Day made my career path clearer and less worrying to think about.”

IVA High Student

“This is a special learning place…the staff is extremely supportive and excited about teaching the students.”

IVA High Parent

“I have learned that project-based learning is the best way for me to learn.”

IVA High Student

“IVA High has been everything they said it would be! They are a student-led school that considers the needs of students.”

IVA High Parent

“Since coming to IVA High I am more open-minded to people’s ideas. I’m not as quick to judge.”

IVA High Student

“Career Day made me realize my journey can be unpredictable.”

IVA High Student
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