“We wanted to create a peaceful oasis for our students.” 

-Myriam Loeschen, Outreach Coordinator

For nearly a decade, our backyard has served as lunch space, outdoor classroom, and gathering place for the IVA High community. Now it’s time to celebrate this hardworking space and showcase all we have done to transform it.

Located in an urban Long Beach neighborhood, tuition-free IVA High is thrilled to have a backyard for our 9th-12th grade students. With intention, we’ve curated a functional outdoor learning environment that supports both academic growth and emotional well-being. This project brought trees, vegetation, and thoughtful landscaping together to create a natural space for our high school students to recharge and connect. 

New planter beds around the perimeter integrate science curriculum directly into campus life—think soil science, carbon sequestration, and urban food production. Students have designed and built garden boxes, growing herbs and vegetables that turned into delicious shared meals in our cooking classes.

We’ve also renovated our green space to create room for movement and play. Parts of the yard have been leveled for basketball practice and skateboarding, reflecting direct input from our student community. Comfortable outdoor seating, shade structures, and aesthetic improvements invite everyone to stay awhile.

This transformation is possible due to the generosity of many, including a community grant from the Port of Long Beach that was focused on infrastructure and open space. We are also grateful for the incredible donation of fruit trees, flowers, vegetable plants, soil, barrels and flower pots from Professor Ochoa. Professor Ochoa teaches the Career & Technical Education Horticulture class through IVA High’s Dual Enrollment program with Long Beach City College (LBCC). 

Our backyard project isn’t just about beautification—it’s about creating space where curious minds can flourish both inside and outside the classroom. As we continue to celebrate our 10 years together, this backyard project is another example of how we grow and remain curious, together. Please share this with someone you know who feels as passionate about our learning environment as we do! It’s easy to enroll. 

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!