College Counseling

Choose a Pathway that Fits You

IVA High offers three distinct pathways designed to help you build your future, whether that’s heading straight to college, starting a career, or creating a custom journey all your own.

Our pathways approach, combined with dual enrollment opportunities, means you graduate with more than a diploma. You leave IVA High with:

Real, transferrable college credits
Hands-on career experience through paid internships
A clear direction for your future
The intellectual virtues to think critically and adapt to whatever comes next
Confidence in your ability to succeed in college, career, and life

Students from IVA High listen to a speaker during a field trip to a LBCC department.

IVA High students sit in desks in a classroom while listening to a teacher.

Students from IVA High walk through a greenhouse. They are surrounded by green plants.

College Pathway

If a 2 or 4 year university is a part of your dreams, our College Pathway sets you up for success with a rigorous foundational curriculum, advanced coursework, and dual enrollment with Long Beach City College that earns you college credits while you’re still in high school. We focus on the required Cal-GETC courses needed for transfer to a UC/CSU of your choice. Our highly regarded college advising program will guide you through the entire process—from campus visits and application support to FAFSA completion and scholarship applications. The following courses have been offered during the school day and are a part of the daily block schedule..

Dual Enrollment courses include, but are not limited to:
ART 9: Introduction to Art
COMM C1000: Elements of Public Speaking
LEARN11: Learning and Academic Strategies
PSYCH 1/1000C: Introduction to Psychology

Career & Technical Education Pathway

Ready to start building real-world skills now? Our Career & Technical Education Pathway connects classroom learning with hands-on experience and career exploration through paid internships. Students can enroll in free courses through our Dual Enrollment partnership with LBCC to work toward a certification in a variety of fields, such as psychology, fashion design, or horticulture, ensuring you’ll graduate with knowledge and experience that employers value. The following courses have been offered during the school day and are a part of the daily block schedule.

Dual Enrollment courses include, but are not limited to:
ART 80: Essentials of Photography
COUN 2: Making a Difference with Mentoring
COUN 48: Career Exploration
FASH 20: Introduction to the Fashion Industry
HORT 15: Basics Horticulture
R_TV 1: Introduction to Broadcasting

Individualized Pathway

Want to explore multiple interests? Our Individualized Pathway gives you the flexibility to design an educational experience that’s entirely your own. Mix foundational and transferable college courses with career exploration in a variety of areas such as fire science or public health, add paid internships alongside dual enrollment classes, and create a plan that opens doors. Motivated students could even graduate with a diploma and a AA degree, or pathway certifications through LBCC. At IVA High, you’re in charge of your learning—and we’re here to support whatever path you blaze.

Some IVA High students have explored:
Automotive Technology
Business
Computer Science
Counseling
Construction
Fire Science
Public Health
Jewelry Making
Metal Fabrication
Social Service
Welding

Dual Enrollment: Earn College Credits Now

Why wait until after graduation to start your college journey? Through our College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) dual-enrollment partnership with Long Beach City College (LBCC), IVA High students can earn free college credits taught by college professors right here on our campus.

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment allows you to take college-level courses while still in high school. These classes count toward both your high school diploma and your future college degree, giving you a head start on your higher education—at no cost to you or your family.

The CCAP partnership is designed for IVA High students to earn transferable Cal-GETC and/or College Technical Education (CTE), gaining valuable college-ready skills in a supportive and accessible environment.

The IVA High Advantage

Learn on our campus from experienced college professors
Earn CSU and/or UC transferable credits that count toward your college degree
Save time and money by getting a jump on your college coursework
Experience college-level academics in the supportive environment of our small school
Graduate ahead with college credits already under your belt

Who Can Participate?

Dual enrollment opportunities are available to IVA High students who are ready for college-level work. Our dedicated counselors and teachers work with you to determine which courses align with your chosen pathway and help you succeed.

You can see a list of colleges former IVA High students attended on our School Profile.

Paid Internship Program

High school should prepare for college and career. We have partnered with EXP and created our own on-campus internship program to offer every student a paid internship if they want to pursue one. Students have received internships in a variety of industries.

Industries where IVA students interned:	Organization where IVA students interned:
Architecture Art City Government Child Development Education Law Marketing and Sales Trade and Port EXP Internship Program Marine Biology Transportation	Ports America Animal Rescue United States Coast Guard Office of Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Law firm of Peacock, Piper, Tong + Voss Marine Exchange Yusen Logistics Scholars Collective Studio Pick EXP Opportunity Engine

“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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

College and Career Pathways