INTELLECTUAL VIRTUES ACADEMY OF LONG BEACH

Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach is a Title I public charter middle school that is part of the Long Beach Unified school district, located in Long Beach, CA with about 211 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 12 teachers, Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Intellectual Virtues Academy (IVA) of Long Beach is a unique public charter middle school that differentiates itself through a curriculum centered on "intellectual virtues." Rather than focusing solely on standardized testing or rote memorization, the school emphasizes the development of character traits—such as curiosity, intellectual humility, open-mindedness, and perseverance—as the core of the educational experience. By weaving these virtues into every subject, IVA aims to cultivate students who are not only academically proficient but also thoughtful, reflective, and capable of deep, critical inquiry.

The school operates on the belief that how students learn is just as important as what they learn. To foster this environment, the staff works to create a culture where questioning is encouraged and mistakes are viewed as essential opportunities for intellectual growth. By prioritizing the "habits of mind" necessary for lifelong learning, the Intellectual Virtues Academy strives to prepare its students to navigate a complex world with wisdom, integrity, and a genuine passion for understanding.

For more information, contact Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach at (562) 912-7017 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.