At IVA High, we build everything around one idea: students who feel genuinely cared for show up differently in their work, their relationships with peers, and in themselves.

That belief lives at the heart of our counseling program. And over the past decade, we’ve learned that when you build a school culture around that kind of care, something remarkable happens: students begin to believe in what’s possible for themselves.

A Ratio That Changes Everything

Most California high schools carry counselor caseloads that make meaningful one-on-one connections difficult. IVA High’s counselor-to-student ratio sits at 33:1, one of the best in the state, and that number gives our counselors the time and space to show up for students consistently, personally, and with enough room to actually listen.

The results reflect that investment. An 11th grader recently shared:

“Our teachers and counselors at IVA High care about us on another level. My teachers care about me academically, but also personally. I am grateful for that.”

At IVA High, every student gets that experience.

Preparing Students for College, Career, and Life

Our counseling program drives our school-wide commitment to preparing students for what comes next. Counselors guide students through every stage of the college admissions process, including 1:1 advising, campus visits, FAFSA support, and scholarship applications. That sustained, personalized attention produces real results. IVA High has a 96% success rate of getting University bound seniors into one of their top 3 college choices.

Students who want to get a head start can take advantage of our CCAP dual enrollment partnership with Long Beach City College, which brings LBCC professors directly to our campus. IVA High is one of the few Long Beach high schools to offer this. Students earn transferable college credits, tuition-free, while still in high school. Our wraparound support model connects enrolled students with a College and Career Pathways Coordinator every week to track academic progress, answer questions, and link students to campus resources. That level of support has driven IVA High to earn the #1 course completion rate among all local schools in dual enrollment.

Career readiness gets the same early attention. Through our partnership with EXP and our own on-campus internship program, every IVA High student has access to a paid internship in fields ranging from business and public health to creative design, construction, and beyond. These real-world experiences help students develop direction and a stronger sense of self before they ever walk across a graduation stage.

Juniors and seniors also move through College, Career, and Life, a dedicated course that blends practical skills like resume building and financial literacy with deeper questions about meaning, purpose, and who they want to become.

Curiosity and Courage as Outcomes

IVA High actively cultivates intellectual virtues: curiosity, open-mindedness, intellectual courage, and humility. Counselors and teachers reinforce these dispositions in every classroom conversation, every advising session, and every project students take on. 

One 11th grader described this kind of growth in a way that has stayed with us:

“I came to high school pretty closed-minded. My maturity has grown since being at IVA High. When you come here, you get to know everyone so much better. This has made me more empathetic and not so quick to judge others. It also has allowed me to feel more confident to stand up for myself and what I believe in. I know when I speak up here, I will feel heard.”

Students graduate from IVA High carrying credentials and the confidence to ask hard questions, advocate for themselves, and adapt to a world that keeps changing.

Counseling as a Cornerstone

At IVA High, counseling functions as a cornerstone of the entire school experience. Our counselors carry small caseloads by design, build relationships with students over multiple years, and work alongside teachers to ensure academic rigor and personal growth reinforce each other.

The outcomes students experience at IVA High, whether that’s earning college credits as a sophomore, landing a paid internship as a junior, or finding the confidence to speak up in a room full of peers, don’t happen by accident. They grow out of a school culture where counseling is embedded into the daily life of the school, not added on at the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions About IVA High’s Counseling Approach

What is the student-to-counselor ratio at IVA High?

IVA High maintains a 50:1 student-to-counselor ratio — far below the California average — meaning every student receives consistent, personalized attention from a dedicated counselor who truly knows them.

What kind of counseling support does IVA High offer?

IVA High provides wrap-around counseling support that goes beyond academic advising. Through our Advisory class and one-on-one counseling, students receive guidance on social-emotional wellbeing, college and career planning, and personal growth. Our counseling program was built on a whole-student philosophy — recognizing that academic success and personal wellbeing are deeply connected.

How does IVA High support students who are struggling or need extra help?

No student falls through the cracks at our small school. Teachers know every student by name, counselors are readily accessible, and our Advisory program ensures each student has a trusted adult in their corner. Students who need additional support have access to intervention resources in a safe, caring environment where asking for help is encouraged.

Is IVA High a good fit for students with diverse learning needs?

Yes. IVA High is an inclusive community that welcomes all learners. Our learner-centered philosophy means instruction and support are tailored to each student’s strengths and needs. Whether a student thrives with hands-on learning, needs more one-on-one attention, or is looking for a place where they finally feel they belong, IVA High is built for them.

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 10 Years of Curious Minds, Empowered Community – Join Us!