Meet 2023 Grad & Valedictorian James MacPherson

From exponential growth to scholarships earned and lives changed, IVA High staff enjoys a front row seat to some of the most inspiring stories around. We’d like to introduce you to one of our students, James MacPherson, member of the 2023 graduating class. James attended IVA High from 9th-12th grade and made a name for himself as an ambitious and curious learner. This fall, James will be attending California State University, Long Beach to pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice. We asked James about his experience at our small, tuition-free high school and how it has influenced where he’s headed. Here’s what he said: 

Why did you choose IVA High? 

I attended 6-8th grade at IVA Middle School. I liked the model of smaller classrooms, project-based learning, and individual attention from teachers. Therefore, I decided to stick with IVA for high school.

How has IVA High helped you grow as a learner and an individual?

At IVA High, I grew as a learner because they taught me how to think deeper, research, and investigate. At other schools you are just assigned work and you do it. At IVA, they encourage you to think for yourself and they teach you how to actually find and solve your own problems unlike other schools. That approach helped to develop my critical thinking skills and to be more prepared for my future, far more than I otherwise might have.

Tell us about your paid internship. 

IVA High introduced me to a program called EXP. EXP taught me how to make a resume, cover letter, interview with company executives, and they ultimately helped me to find a paid internship during the summer of 2022. As a result, I found myself working with multiple different engineers at the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority. I learned a lot about being an engineer and even more about what it's like to work in an office environment with other adults. This internship gave me invaluable experience in the working adult world, and the experience I gained from it will help me for the rest of my life whenever I need to have a job.

This year I shared my interest in becoming a lawyer with my counselor and College and Career teacher. IVA High and EXP found a placement for me at Peacock Piper, a local law office. The summer before I start college I will be working side-by side with lawyers, already getting career experience and establishing my network. I was also awarded a scholarship from EXP, and was honored at their award ceremony in April.  

What is a favorite memory from your time at IVA High?

One of my favorite memories at IVA High was when I brought a huge animatronic clown to my school for the Halloween Dance one year. I was helping the school set up and was donating the clown for the dance, however, I brought it a couple days earlier than they needed it, and I had a very specific reason for this. My science teacher was afraid of clowns. I plugged in the clown and put it in my science teacher's room before class. The look on his face was priceless! However, he did eventually get me back. What comes around goes around I suppose.

At our school we have student-led clubs. I started a Dungeons and Dragons club on campus when I was a freshman. During the pandemic we kept the club going, virtually. I was so thankful to maintain these relationships during that time. Once we returned to be in-person, I already had so many friends. I made some life-long friendships at IVA High.

Who would you like to give a shoutout to? 

My shoutout goes to our Philosophy Teacher Mr. Schmidt who always stuck by my side and helped me so much across the year. He wrote me so many letters of recommendation that I think I lost count. He supported me so much in my journey towards college and I can't thank him enough!

Our teachers describe James as authentic and thorough –two traits that will serve him well throughout college, career and life. Congrats on a job well done, James! We couldn’t be more proud of you and the other members of the class of 2023. 

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 comes for college prep, STEAM and limitless options for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. Join us–we’re building curious minds & empowered communities.