In Long Beach, middle school families have many choices for what high schools they can apply. These choices include almost 40 LBUSD school options, private schools, and one charter school, Intellectual Virtues Academy High School. It takes both knowledge and attention to make the appropriate choice for your child and we want to partner with our IVA families in making this decision. In this webpage we offer more information about Academy and LBUSD options.
To see our Class of 2018's high school intent data click the link here.
LBUSD
Options
IVA is in close connection with LBUSD to support the transition of our 8th graders to through the High School CHOICE Program. IVA students have the same opportunity for admissions to all LBUSD schools as any other student within the LBUSD. Below is helpful information to consider when choosing a high school. If you have any further questions about the 8th grade transition to high school, contact the High School Choice Helpline at (562) 997-8306.
Comprehensive High Schools vs. Small Thematic High Schools
There are 11 schools to choose from within LBUSD: six comprehensive high schools (Cabrillo, Jordan, Lakewood, Millikan, Poly, and Wilson) and five small, thematic high schools (CAMS, McBride, Renaissance, Sato, Browning). Comprehensive high schools typically have a large student population (2,500-4,000 students), offer a wide variety of classes, athletic team programs, and specialized/traditional small learning communities. Attendance boundaries also allow for residential priority, meaning students who apply to schools outside their neighborhood would be put further down the list for admission. Small thematic high schools tend to have smaller student populations (400-1,200 students), offer a limited menu of class options, and limited or no athletic team opportunities. Though this may be the case, there are no attendance boundaries, meaning students who live outside of the region can apply with no priority given to neighborhood families. We strongly encourage our 8th grade families to research thoroughly the right high school for your student.
Pathway Programs
All students in LBUSD High Schools belong to a pathway. All comprehensive high schools have pathways that have no criteria and give priority to residential students and pathways that require minimum criteria for acceptance in which most do not give priority to residential students (i.e., Secondary Specialized Programs). All small, thematic schools are seen as Secondary Specialized Programs, which means they too have minimum criteria (except for Renaissance and Browning) and do not offer priority to any residential students. For information on the selection methodology of these options, visit the LBUSD HS Choice webpage.
For more information on the LBUSD HS Choice Process, please visit the LBUSD HS Choice webpage or contact the HS Choice Helpline at (562) 997-8306.
IVA HS Choice Parent Academy Slides
Parent Academy LBUSD HS Choice Info Night 2019.pdf
Intellectual Virtues Academy High School - The Academy
As you know, IVA is recognized for its research-based, intellectually challenging and supportive academic program. In the fall of 2016, the Academy began extending the intellectual virtues education model to the high school, equipping every student to think well: critically, creatively, and with a capacity for self-growth.
The Academy invites you to learn more and experience the high school firsthand at one of the upcoming open house events or school tours, which are tracked on this link here. You can find valuable school information on the Academy website. If you are interested in completing an application for the 2018-2019 school year, you may complete an online application here or you may request a paper copy of the application by calling the Academy front office at (562) 283-4456. Read a summary of instructions for applying to the academy here: Academy Process for Enrollment.
Academy students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and “habits of mind” needed for success in college, careers, and beyond! The Academy Team looks forward to getting to know your family as your child transitions into high school.