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As a tuition-free charter school, IVA High has the flexibility to adapt and grow to best meet the needs of our students. One area we have identified for an update is our backyard. For years, our backyard has served as our lunch space and an outdoor classroom. It has worked hard for us and we are ready to give it the extra attention it deserves.
Our Backyard Project is taking shape after countless hours of listening, ideating and planning. The IVA High community has offered suggestions and input on everything from purpose to function and design. Together, we aim to create functional and beautiful outdoor spaces that reflect the spirit and ethos of IVA High School.
As our campus is situated in an urban area, we desire a backyard that not only enhances learning but also a space that supports emotional well-being through time spent outdoors. Natural materials and landscaping will provide a much needed space for students to recharge and connect.
Trees, vegetation and irrigation will allow us to integrate science curriculum (such as soil science, carbon sequestration, and urban food production) right here on campus. The addition of new planter beds around the perimeter of the yard will improve water quality of stormwater run-off by creating planter areas for percolation of storm water prior to draining to gutters.
New, aesthetically pleasing wall panels will create separation from the alley behind our campus and form a protective barrier that is also fitting with the feel of the new landscape. Numerous trees, comfortable outdoor seating and shade sails will provide an invitation to stay a while.
The transformation won’t happen overnight, but you may have already noticed that our backyard has begun to change. This year, students designed, built and then planted garden boxes to grow herbs and vegetables. The fruits of their labor turned into a delicious meal shared with friends and staff (check out more pictures here) in our cooking classes.
In addition to an updated lunch area, we’re planning to renovate our green space/outdoor classroom to create space for students to play, move and hang out. Parts of the yard will be leveled to create a smoother surface to allow for basketball practice and skateboarding at the request of students. We are currently pursuing additional grants that will help us purchase club and sports equipment for the backyard.
The lunch area portion of our Backyard Project is being funded through the hard work of our grant writers. We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a Port of Long Beach Community Grant that is specific to Infrastructure and Open space. The grant creates funding opportunities for projects that reduce the Port's environmental impact. By utilizing the POLB grant list of required plants and fauna, IVA High will be able to support clean air and meet the criteria of the "Greenbook" Standard Specifications Public Works Construction.
When will it be completed? Like any big project, that’s the million dollar question. At this time, we plan to break ground in the summer of 2025. Until then, we’ll continue to apply for additional funding to supplement the Port of Long Beach Community Grant and keep our garden boxes flourishing with herbs and vegetables.
You can keep up to date with our progress on Instagram and Facebook. We can’t wait to see it come together!
About IVA High
IVA High is a fully accredited, tuition-free public high school in Long Beach, California with a mission to empower students to think well: creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. Our learner-centered approach puts students in charge of their education, while dual enrollment and paid internships transform learning into action. Students come for college prep, STEAM and limitless options for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. IVA High - Curious Minds, Empowered Community - Join Us.
