We’re excited to launch a brand new course at IVA High! 

Starting in the Fall of 2025, 21st Century Digital Literacy will be required for all 9th grade students and available as a credit-earning English course for 10th-12th grade students. We’ve thoughtfully designed this course to meet the needs of our students: to equip them with the intellectual tools to evaluate digital sources, understand AI’s impact, protect their privacy, and communicate effectively in our increasingly connected world. 

Why Digital Literacy is Critical in High School

Being “tech-savvy” is no longer enough in the rapidly evolving digital world in which we live. Today’s students need to be critical thinkers who can navigate, evaluate, and create in digital spaces with wisdom and discernment. This new course goes beyond basic computer skills to develop the type of students who approach technology with curiosity, open-mindedness, and intellectual autonomy.

21st Century Digital Literacy is a credit-earning, A-G approved English course. IVA High students will explore diverse texts, from dystopian literature to license agreements, and develop essential communication skills through writing and speaking projects, such as professional emails, research papers, and presentations. 

The curriculum will tackle essential modern challenges: 

• identifying misinformation
• analyzing media messages
• evaluating digital sources
• understanding online privacy and security 

A standout unit in this new course will focus on AI literacy. The aim is to prepare students to not only use AI tools wisely, but to actively shape how these technologies evolve. Students will practice traits like intellectual humility as they grapple with complex ethical questions and form their own perspectives. The course will culminate in projects that require students to apply critical and creative thinking to solve authentic problems.

By grounding digital literacy in our intellectual virtues framework, this course exemplifies IVA High’s commitment to preparing students for college, career, and life in an unpredictable world. We’re teaching students how to use today’s tools responsibly and we’re empowering them to think well about the challenges and opportunities that the technologies of tomorrow may bring.

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 Community – Join us!