IVA - Intellectual Virtues Academy Middle School in Long Beach

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: November 17, 2024

My son is a now a junior in high school, but he remembers IVA fondly and has even volunteered with the school to give back to the middle school that he loved. What did he like about it? The small discussion-based classes, the kind and caring atmosphere, and the fact that it prepared him academically for a rigorous high school schedule. IVA still holds a special place in our family's heart and we consider ourselves very lucky that our son was able to spend such formative years there.

Posted: November 17, 2024

Posted: November 8, 2024

IVA has been a wonderful experience. We are looking forward to our second child also attending. The entire staff, faculty and admin truly want to be there. The support is unmatched not only academically but also socio-emotionally. The community is diverse and welcoming. My child is challenged academically but not stressed and she loves her school and teachers/staff/faculty/admin. The way the material is presented and discussed is all truly with curiosity, engaging and to develop critical thinkers. We know there is nothing like IVA middle school in the best way possible.

Posted: November 8, 2024

I don't have children at the moment, but if I did, I would love for them to attend this school.
- A teacher here.

Posted: November 8, 2024

Posted: February 5, 2024

IVA is a great school where teachers genuinely care for ALL students and make themselves available to support in whatever ways students need.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Posted: September 21, 2023

The educators at IVA are committed to ongoing intellectual character growth for themselves and for their students. This philosophical foundation of formative development creates a community of academic rigor and deep care for each individual. It is good to work and learn at IVA alongside our families. We are glad to be a part of students lives in these important years.

Posted: September 21, 2023

Posted: June 3, 2021

Thoughtful attention to the content and process of academic learning, as well as social and emotional learning.

Posted: June 3, 2021

Posted: May 26, 2020

would not recommend IVA of Long Beach due to lack of diversity both in faculty and staff as well as in perspective. The Social Science and Science department does a good job of representing various thoughts and contributions of individuals; however the school as a whole does not celebrate it--even when called out for it.

The exclusivity of the school is its selling point, but that's where the advantages stop compared to public schools in the area. There is no music, no art programs, nor sports program which is a missed opportunity for students at a prime age can explore and enjoy enrichment activities. Instead, there are clubs that parents must be the head of, which is bizarre as such clubs are allocated in every school's budget.

Communication is all virtual which is a breeding ground for passive aggressive, subpar, and delayed communication. I've been to the school for parent observation and was shunned and told that my family's expectations of our child were too high. Instruction is all done on Google Classroom and there are no textbooks. Family functions are planned at the convenience of staff and faculty not working parents. Ed Code with regard to parental involvement is not followed. Lastly, teachers are not held accountable for differentiating instruction nor for keeping up their gradebook. Assignments go missing often and theirs letting to no feedback on assessments less Illuminate. Rubrics and grading methods are not shared which breeds ground of bias grading.

Since entry, it has been a constant battle to get an answer to our family's most straightforward answers to the point we've had to involve the Board of Directors and the district.

I was going to reserve my comments for the end of the year, but because my family's experience has been more than horrendous, I decided to share as previous remarks are from more than a year ago. It would benefit families to have their whole child's need meet at a public school like Stafford or other in the surrounding area. This one misses the mark on all the areas that count.

Posted: May 26, 2020

Lastly, teachers are not held accountable for differentiating instruction nor for keeping up their gradebook. Assignments go missing often and theirs letting to no feedback on assessments less Illuminate. Rubrics and grading methods are not shared which breeds ground of bias grading.

Posted: May 26, 2020

The Social Science and Science department does a good job of representing various thoughts and contributions of individuals in curriculum. Physical education addresses current student interest.

Posted: May 26, 2020

There are weekly virtue ceremonies that have becoming more ritual due to school's founding principles as opposed to have significant meaning for building character.

Posted: May 26, 2020

Teachers are not held accountable for differentiating instruction nor for keeping up their gradebook. There is no music, no art programs, nor sports program which is a missed opportunity for students at a prime age can explore and enjoy enrichment activities. Instead, there are clubs that parents must be the head of, which is bizarre as such clubs are allocated in every school's budget.

Posted: May 26, 2020

Instruction is all done on Google Classroom and there are no textbooks. Learning is not differentiated.

Posted: May 26, 2020

The best part of the school is the counselor.

Posted: June 24, 2019

The school leaders work hard to create a positive social environment. However, the restorative discipline model seems to work well with kids who want to be good, not as well with kids who don't care.

Posted: June 24, 2019

The school definitely has a progressive political bent, as others have mentioned, but students are encouraged to think for themselves and to explain their assertions with logic and evidence.

Posted: June 24, 2019

Don't expect homework packets, short answer questions, or skill-building drill homework. IVA teachers send home fewer assignments, but they are heavy on writing, explaining, and thinking about the "why" of the material rather than just the "what." History students aren't memorizing names and dates, for instance, they are writing an essay from the point of view of an indentured servant or a Native American child who has been sent to a government school. In science they aren't memorizing food chains, they are designing public spaces to accommodate needed facilities while reducing erosion and controlling runoff. When my daughter got to Millikan, she found the homework much easier and less time-consuming than her IVA homework!

Posted: June 24, 2019

Not all "learning differences" are the same. For my gifted kids, this has been a wonderful experience. The format of the classes indulges their natural curiosity and interest in digging deeper into topics. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was celebrated by their teachers. Questions, side explorations, and outside the box thinking are encouraged, unlike in "teach-to-the-test" classrooms where getting through the material is paramount. However, I have seen kids with IEP's struggle because of the long block classes, the writing-heavy assignments, and the emphasis on abstract thinking and intellectual rigor.

Posted: March 29, 2019

This school seems to be sensitive to bullying. They seem to address issues when they become aware of them and with a school this size, not much goes under the radar.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Hmm...effective at what? Academically, time will tell how he compares with other HS students next year. The entire staff is thoughtful about getting students to discuss virtually everything they are learning. They are big on collaboration and group projects. I will, however, agree with the previous parent who says the whole staff, their views, their projects have a liberal bias. Unless it's math, students are steered in a liberal political, social, opinion and it is assumed that is the obvious correct opinion and solution. It can definitely be interpreted that liberal ideas are fact and conservative views are fascist and ignorant.

Posted: March 29, 2019

We work a lot on this at home, so I don't know if it is just my son or that the school is affirming this and therefore influencing his thinking in this area.
The "intellectual virtues" continually drilled into them daily, I believe, helps them in their character development.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Principal Bryant is active and involved and works tirelessly to get communication out. This small school has to depend on active parents to provide additional activities, including sports programs, interest clubs, dances and fundraisers. As principal, she continues to champion that effort to make those options available. I really would like to see the opinion bias of the teachers and methods reigned in so that it isn't assumed that everyone thinks the way they do. That either all social views are presented as equally valuable, or that they stick to no social agenda (which is very much what it feels like).

Posted: March 29, 2019

I haven't had to experience much of this. I advocate for my son (& encourage him first to advocate for himself) when I think he isn't getting something. They seem to respond to normal concerns well.

Posted: March 29, 2019

We were happy to get our son into this school initially. He is a pretty social and well rounded kid. He needed to work on common core type of thinking and we felt this school was doing it better than the public school were at the time. (Painstakingly needing to adopt new curriculum but with many bumps. IVA had obviously started with critical thought.)
However, as time went by, we became less fans of the school. Especially, the climate. Students are introduced to social views and sexual orientation/exploration much more than is necessary and it is introduced with what seems to be an agenda. We have many discussions with our kids on these topics and don't expect the school to educate them so that we don't have to. We have felt the need to de-program him several times and affirm that it is ok for him to have his own views.

Posted: March 29, 2019

My son is on his last year at IVA. The 1st year was an adjustment period to taking responsibility for everything assigned and turned in through Google Classroom. By 7th grade he had it down and seemed to do fairly well. Though he is bright, he tends to not push himself academically if he can get away with it. Though I became concerned he seemed to never have much homework, and when he did, it would take him 10 mins to complete. That may sound great to you... my concern now - is he properly prepared for the load he will get next year in HS? I don't believe the amount he receives at IVA is appropriate to prepare him. He had MUCH more in ES. Time will tell...
(Also, I have a daughter in LB Poly HS PACE program. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY he is prepared for that.)

Posted: January 30, 2019

No, absolutely not, one size/style fits all. If your child learns differently, they will not accommodate him or her.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Omg no! My son was constantly bullied by teachers and students!

Posted: January 30, 2019

Horrible. I honestly feel bad for sending my son there.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Nothing unique here regarding homework. Its just like all the other schools.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Pretty much all the teachers here are very liberal. My son finally opened up to me about how he was bullied by the teachers. He was repeatedly told he was objectionaly wrong. He was told by TEACHERS Republicans are racist! Teachers gave him their opinion on politics as facts. It got so bad I ended up taking him out of the school.

Posted: January 30, 2019

No, my son was bullied because he dared to think differently (politically) than the majority, by teachers and students.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Honestly, nice people with good intentions. But they werent able to stop my son from being harassed.

Posted: January 5, 2018

This school is wonderful at developing student's love of learning, character, and mindset

Posted: November 16, 2017

My daughter is thriving at IVA! We have seen real progress in her love of learning. She thinks deeper and more carefully since coming to IVA from a local middle school. Highly recommend IVA!

Posted: October 2, 2017

I have two students at IVA this year, an eighth-grader and a sixth-grader. They are very different from each other in their temperaments and how they learn, but both are having great experiences at IVA. The teachers and staff treat the students like whole people, and value their individual thoughts and questions. The block schedule with its longer classes is a gift for kids like mine, who enjoy having the time to probe deeper into the concepts and discover things for themselves, rather than just being told answers or formulas and writing them down to memorize for the test. The homework, quizzes, and tests are designed to assess the student's critical thinking and analysis, not simply speed and recall. Lots and lots of writing and "explain your answer" -- I've never seen a multiple-choice or fill in the blank assignment, in any class.

This school is a treasure, especially for gifted kids or students who perpetually ask "why" rather than just accepting the answers as given.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Homework is assigned weekly, rather than nightly, which allows students to plan around their home and sports schedules. The work is not simple question-and-answer, but usually involves lots of writing (even PE!) to engage the student in thinking deeper about the concepts rather than just memorizing the short-term answer.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Not all learning differences benefit from the same approach. Kids who are gifted or creative learners will do extremely well at IVA. Kids who can handle the increased freedom of discussion-based lessons, where the students think and discuss ideas together, will benefit from the longer classes and the opportunities for expression and questioning. Kids whose learning differences are more behavioral, or who lack the maturity to engage in thoughtful questioning, may have more difficulty with this model.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: December 8, 2015

IVA is such a great community of supportive individuals with a culture for a love of learning and a desire to grow.

Posted: August 26, 2014

Our son was homeschooled from K-5 and was not eager to begin "conventional" school. However he has absolutely fallen in love with IVA! The staff have done an excellent job of creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where intellectual exploration is valued over finding the one right answer that the teacher is looking for. Students are encouraged to think and wonder, not just passively listen and absorb, and interesting questions are received with enthusiasm, not exasperation as a distraction from the lesson plan. The teachers challenge the students to explain why they know something, not just parrot what they know. Personally, I have found all the staff to be extremely communicative and reassuring as our family makes the transition from homeschool to classroom school, and they have embraced my son and his somewhat unconventional way of looking at the world. Can't speak highly enough about this wonderful institution -- and my son can't wait to return for grade 7!!

Posted: April 17, 2014

Intellectual Virtues Academy is a wonderful place to grow. The curriculum, facility, and instructional staff are top notch. The culture is one in which all stakeholders-parents, students, faculty, advisors, board members- are encouraged to struggle, admit limitations, embrace challenge and enjoy the process of learning and becoming something better as a result of intellectual engagement. I love this school!

Posted: April 16, 2014

My son was on the waiting list and was finally "in" on December 2, 2013. IVA has been more than amazing for him! He has had only positive experiences-- great new friends, awesome involved caring teachers, staff that knows all the children and their families, beautiful campus and a zero bullying atmosphere! Mrs Bryant, the principal, cannot be described in words as there are not enough positive words in the English language to even start to explain how wonderful she is!! She has helped to change our sons life! IVA is hands down the best school for our son!

Posted: April 16, 2014

So happy we picked IVA for our 6th grader. It continues to be a great experience for our entire family. So many great and involved parents.

Posted: March 16, 2014

Today we received our student's report cards for the second trimester. These words from my son's math and science teacher, Ms. Noble reinforce why we are so privileged to be at this middle school: "I hope that the comments I write (in their report cards) let parents know that I see their whole child. I see their growth and their struggles, and I know that this one grade in the sixth grade does not define them. Maybe it s a snapshot of where they are at the moment, but it certainly is not where they are destined to be forever. We all have the capacity to grow. "

Posted: November 15, 2013

Disappointing. Teachers quality below average. Too much talking by students during instruction, not enough structure.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach (IVA) has been one of the best decisions we have ever made for our daughter! Everyone at this school (teachers, principal, staff) is completely invested in creating a unique, positive and inspiring atmosphere that makes the students want to learn. School has only been in session a month and we have already received personal updates from each of or our daughter's core teachers. Our daughter is loving it!

Posted: October 7, 2013

I am an educator with experience in public and private schools, and I know that choosing a school for your child is not an easy task. I am so thankful we chose IVA for our son. Everything - from the lessons to the administration to the student council elections to the communication with teachers and staff - is thoughtful, kind, personal, meaningful and inspiring. The school has diversity, compassion, patience, and creativity, and lessons go deep instead of blindly wide. This is a place where students are encouraged to ask questions and are celebrated as an individuals. The children love learning, and the teachers feel fortunate and energized to be there guiding them. This school is a gift.

Posted: October 7, 2013

I am so happy that my daughter is attending this great school. Since day 1 she has had nothing but great things on the staff and what she is learning. The one main thing she always points out is how the staff listens to her questions and takes the time to go over it. When my wife and I got to visit the school we could see what she was talking about. The staff was very friendly and we could see how eager they are to teach and help the kids grow! More schools should be like this!!

Posted: October 7, 2013

My daughter has been homeschooled her entire life. This is her first institutional schooling experience. We are simply amazed at the incredible people who have come together to make this school something super special. The teachers and administrators are leaders in introducing our kids to the critical thinking skills that will govern their journey throughout their lives whatever they choose to do. The campus is lovely and peaceful, the classrooms carefully constructed to create curiosity and develop discussions which often get revisited at home with excitement and enthusiasm. My daughter loves it and so do we!

Posted: October 1, 2013

This is a brand new charter school that is so far showing to have been a great choice. The teachers are incredibly engaged, the communication is top notch. The lessons are great. I definitely made the right choice to choose IVA as my kids middle school.

Posted: August 24, 2013

This is a new school but so far the staff, teachers, board members, and Principal are very dedicated, hard working, and caring.

Posted: August 23, 2013

So much teacher, principal and teacher participation! Looking forward to see the kids and school grow.

Posted: August 21, 2013

IVA is an answer to the standards-obsessed "teaching the test" that has dominated our son's education from K-5 (even in the GATE classes at an award-winning CA school). IVA focuses on nurturing curiosity, open-mindedness, intellectual courage, and other "intellectual virtues". It's concerned with who my child is a thinker and learner -- not just with what he knows or how he performs on a standardized exam.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	12 mi
2	Northridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Northridge	CA	33.3 mi
3	Whispering Winds Apartments	Apartment Complex	San Clemente	CA	42.8 mi

Base	Distance
Los Alamitos JFTB	3.6 mi.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station	7.6 mi.
Los Angeles AFB	12.8 mi.

IVA - Intellectual Virtues Academy Middle School

Long Beach, CA 90807

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IVA - Intellectual Virtues Academy Middle School

Long Beach, CA 90807

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