IVA Middle School - Intellectual Virtues Academy Middle School

Intellectual Virtues Academy Middle School

To learn and live well.

Why We Exist

IVA is a free, non-sectarian, independent public charter middle school in Long Beach, California, and the first to offer an education based on an “intellectual virtues” model. Our small school and small class size allows teachers to foster meaningful growth in the personal good thinking qualities of each individual student.

IVA aligns every part of our community and school design to give students opportunities to be challenged to think, act, and feel in good and excellent ways. Students engage deeply in a culture of thinking inside and outside of the classroom. Middle school years are a formative time where students can come to know themselves and engage in the world with curiosity so that they can learn and live well.

Our Virtues

Getting Started

Curiosity, Intellectual Humility, Intellectual Autonomy

Executing Well

Attentiveness, Intellectual Carefulness, Intellectual Thoroughness

Handling Challenges

Open-mindedness, Intellectual Courage, Intellectual Tenacity

Interested in Enrolling Your Student?

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Upcoming Events

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@IVALongBeach

Curious Students Wanted for the 2026-2027 School Year.

Thinking about IVA for your student? Come see what our community is all about.

Join us from 6:30–8:30 PM for an evening of conversation, tours, and connection. No RSVP needed — just bring your curiosity and questions!

¿Estás considerando IVA para tu hijo o hija? Ven a descubrir lo que hace especial a nuestra comunidad.

Acompáñanos de 6:30 a 8:30 PM para una noche de conversación, recorridos y conexión.
¡No necesitas confirmar tu asistencia — solo trae tu curiosidad y tus preguntas!

Our hearts (and bellies!) were full after such a cozy and fun Fall Family Night 🍁

Thank you to all our families, parents, and @ivapto for making this event so special. From chili to caramel apples, it was the perfect way to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the season together.

Also, thank you to our very own Ms. Stanley for being such a wonderful photographer!

Our 6th grade Art class took learning outside the classroom! They studied how color communicates ideas + feelings while experiencing the beauty of Long Beach murals.

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Announcements

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“My child feels valued and connected at IVA. Her connection with teachers is very helpful to her growing confidence.”

IVA Middle School Parent

“IVA is an amazing school that cares deeply about the overall well being of my child.”

“Teachers at IVA are accepting, kind, and flexible, and they can really help students understand topics.”

IVA Middle School Student

“If my child is having a hard time with something, the staff pay attention and know him well enough to notice the change.”

“IVA has an amazing and caring staff that should be a model for other schools.”

“The teachers and staff at IVA are kind and supportive.”

“IVA teachers present lessons in a very understandable way.”

“Teachers here create an open-ended intellectual environment, allowing students to ask questions and think deeper.”

“I love the sense of kindness and community at IVA. This has helped our daughter grow in confidence and maturity.”

“The thinking routines and activities used at IVA help to grow our learning.”

“I enjoy the hands on learning and field trips.”

“IVA is a place where I can learn and become a better person. I feel I am loved and cared for here.”

“The caring teachers and staff at IVA provide great emotional support for my child.”

“The teachers here are passionate and overall they are great pillars of virtue.”

“This school has shown me that they are here to support my child holistically and that we chose the right school.”

“IVA provides a rigorous and challenging education to all students with the supports needed for all to feel successful.”

“This school is good at encouraging curiosity and creativity from students. We can express ourselves freely.”

“The teachers at IVA are caring and thoughtful and are committed to the mission and vision of the school.”

“This school makes me feel confident in my learning.”

“This school is great at making everyone feel included.”

“The teachers at IVA create a sense of wonder and curiosity in the classroom.”

“IVA ensures that all students reach their full potential & beyond.”

Welcome to IVA Middle School!

Curious Students Wanted

To Learn and Live Well