Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach

This school is amazing! Their vision is centered around "intellectual virtues" such as tenacity, humility, curiosity, etc. They don't just put a list of virtues up on a wall and forget about them, though. They actually encourage their students to think deeply about their own learning process and structure classes and assignments to guide students toward that deeper understanding. Everyone at the school seems to care for my child, knows him by name, knows his strengths and challenges. It's a true community! The class sizes are small, which is great for learning and social bonding. In the first few months of attending, my son actually thanked me for sending him there several times. He told me he was happy to be in a place that values kindness, and I'm happy for him.

More practical matters: block scheduling reduces number of transitions needed during the day, class size is just 23, test scores seem to be good and thankfully don't seem to be a focus of but rather a happy side effect of their approach.

Some things to consider: small class size means no choice in electives, fewer clubs (as all clubs are student organized and conducted), no big sports focus but I believe they have some teams, no music program. For our family, these drawbacks are minor compared to the benefits of this wonderful school.

If you are looking for a big Middle School experience with bands, choirs, musicals, and big sporting events this might not be the school for you.

That... is the only criticism I have of IVA. And it’s not even criticism. My son wasn’t looking for that. We were looking for a small school that would challenge our kid and give him an education... not a test score. And IVA has clubs and sports (soccer, basketball, track... and a bunch of fun clubs that change based on student interest) on a smaller level. That can be nice for kids who want to try them for the first time!

I can’t say enough wonderful things about IVA. The school is small for a middle school and while that isn’t for every child... it’s been amazing for ours. The academics are challenging and they teach the kids to think deeply, critically, and from many perspectives. They value individuality, creative thinking, and respect the students voices and ideas. Pre-pandemic this school was everything i could hope for in a middle school... and they seamlessly transitioned to organized, meaningful at-home learning... and by that I mean they have provided predictable, engaging lessons, and a safe and meaningful connection to their school community while acknowledging regularly that while school and academics are important, the students’ health and well-being are their highest priority.

Their staff and teachers are thoughtful and are always considering the whole student.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend IVA to anyone looking for this type of school for their child.

First off, I would like to start off by praising the amazing staff that IVA has. I have had nothing but positive experiences. The teachers have a refreshing excitement for teaching.

My daughter has been at IVA for 2 years now. I had the opportunity of volunteering in one of their classrooms last year before COVID hit. I was amazed. Their teaching style is so different. The students were allowed to present their answers and explain their thought process.

IVA has taught my daughter how to think critically. How to find different solutions and new ideas. They hold their students accountable. I believe they give their students ALL of the tools that they need in order to succeed. The level of support at IVA is top notch.

If you’re considering applying, please do not hesitate. I was a bit hesitant to not send my daughter to a conventional middle school, but I am beyond thankful that we were accepted into IVA.

IVA is a gem. My oldest son graduated 3 years ago and is now at Millikan (Quest), my middle son (8th grade) and my daughter (7th grade) are now at IVA. All three have had the most wonderful experiences. The principal and teachers are warm, caring and patient without exception. It's a nurturing middle school experience in which students are taught to question, discuss ideas and think through concepts which results in learning on a deeper level. IVA creates a safe environment where the students feel comfortable expressing themselves and are taught to value thinking and learning. My oldest son came out of IVA well prepared for an academic pathway in high school and is maintaining a 4.0 average.

My daughter is an 8th-grade student at IVA and my wife and I are very happy with the education she is receiving there. Everyone on the IVA staff -- from the principal to the teachers to the front-office staff -- cares deeply about providing the students with a well-rounded education centered on myriad virtues that will serve the students well after they graduate from middle school. We couldn't be happier with IVA and highly recommend the school.

IVA provides a unique learning environment that gave my children the skills needed for high school and college. The teachers and staff genuinely care about the mental health and well-being of their students. I was already impressed with IVA pre-pandemic 2020, but how they responded blew me away. They were extremely organized and knowledgeable at pivoting to distance learning. It is a small school that provides individual attention to each student.

This is the BEST middle school! The school is small so all the kids teachers and staff know one another really well. The staff and teachers take the time to talk to the students and know what works best for them and the way they learn. I have always felt welcome at this school, its a very laid back and open environment. The principal Mrs. Bryant is very approachable and will make time to speak to you. The PTA is helpful and puts on great events for the kids. Mr. Mikaele is a fantastic counselor and will be 100% in for your child and is available to talk and help at any time.

My daughter is a 6th grader at IVA this year. She has always loved school, but this year we have seen her come alive with her learning in such powerful ways! You know when you ask your kid, "How was school today?" and they grunt something like, "Good." Now, she is overflowing with excitement and elaboration about what she is learning about and the ways they are learning. She loves her teachers and frequently tells us how easy they are to talk to. To be honest, I was wary of taking this "different" path to middle school, but for our kid, it has been the absolute "right" choice. I encourage anyone who is in that difficult place of choosing middle school to check out this hidden gem. It's a beautiful place where an adolescent's WHOLE self is honored and supported in such beautiful ways.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this school, its staff and all that it stands for. I'm so happy we made the decision to apply here three years ago. My son is now in 8th grade and its has been such a wonderful educational experience for him....even through Covid! I highly recommend this school to any parents considering it as a middle school option.

Great school love the small community and teachers having time for their students.

I like it

This kid from this school seems weird

it's a great place