While traditional parent-teacher conferences position adults as the primary voices discussing a student’s progress, we believe there’s a more powerful approach: putting students squarely at the center of conversations about their own education.

At IVA High in Long Beach, California, we’ve witnessed firsthand how shifting the center of learning to students transforms not just conferences, but entire educational experiences. When students take responsibility for facilitating these crucial conversations, something remarkable happens—they become active participants in their learning rather than passive subjects being discussed.

Student Voice at IVA

Our approach begins in English classes, where students write thoughtful letters to their families, choosing from carefully crafted prompts that help them reflect on their growth, challenges, and aspirations. These letters become the opening framework for conferences where students guide the conversation, ensuring their voice is heard, valued, and centered.

This model extends beyond traditional academic discussions. Students with IEPs at IVA High also run their own IEP conferences, using templates that empower them to articulate their learning needs with phrases like “the things that work for me are…” and “the things that support me as a learner are…” They identify their support systems, celebrate their friendships, and take ownership of their educational journey in ways that honor their unique identity and needs.

Transformative Benefits of Student-Led Conferences

When students lead their own conferences, the benefits ripple through every aspect of their educational experience:

Empowerment and motivation flourish when students lead the narrative about their education. Rather than sitting quietly while adults discuss their progress, students become engaged advocates for their own learning journey.

Increased self-awareness develops as students reflect deeply on their work, understanding their strengths and challenges with nuanced insight that only comes from lived experience.

Skill development happens organically as students practice self-reflection, goal-setting, communication, and leadership—skills that will serve them throughout college, career, and life.

Stronger relationships emerge when students, parents, and teachers engage in authentic dialogue guided by the student’s perspective, creating more robust support networks built on genuine understanding.

Self-advocacy becomes second nature as students learn to communicate their academic needs effectively, preparing them to navigate future educational and professional environments with confidence.

Beyond Conferences: A Philosophy in Action

Student-led conferences aren’t just a different meeting format—they’re an expression of our core belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute and deserves to be heard. This approach reflects our commitment to co-constructing an educational environment where students don’t just attend school, but actively shape their learning experience.

By elevating student voices and fostering a true sense of belonging, we’re preparing young people to think well—creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. We’re cultivating curious minds who understand their own learning processes and can articulate their needs with courage and clarity.

Curious about Experiencing High School Differently?

At IVA High, we believe students are capable of remarkable things when given the opportunity to lead. Our student-led conferences are just one example of how we put learners at the center of their educational experience, honoring their voices while building the intellectual virtues that will serve them throughout life.

Know anyone who might want to see student empowerment in action? Schedule a tour? Tell them to give us a call at (562) 283-4456, or visit ivahigh.org to learn more about enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. As you know, we love when curious minds meet our empowered community!

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!