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AVID

What is AVID?

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college readiness system that prepares middle and high school academic students for college eligibility and success. Some colleges and universities have also implemented AVID to help their students. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by more than 7,000 schools, including 40 colleges and universities, in 44 states and 16 countries, making a difference in the lives of more than 2 million students.

AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle to:

  • Succeed in rigorous curriculum
  • Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
  • Enter mainstream activities of the school
  • Enroll in a college
  • Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society
Who does AVID serve?

AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually under-served. These students have the potential to take accelerated and other rigorous courses, but may need to develop the skills needed to be successful in these courses. AVID's systematic approach supports students as they increase learning and performance, by combining rigor with the support support of teachers, other AVID students, their families, and AVID tutors to promote and nurture a student's individual determination. 

Each year, students are invited to apply to the AVID class for the following school year based on set criteria. Students who would like to enroll in the class must complete an application and be interviewed before being considered for possible selection for AVID.

What can AVID students expect from the program?

AVID is not a remedial, niche, or college outreach program. It is not a free ride or a study hall. AVID students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in the AVID elective class in all of their classes as well as do the academically rigorous work required. AVID-trained educators also share AVID methodologies and strategies with their fellow educators at their school, so that all students, not just those in the AVID elective class, can benefit from AVID. 

AVID students must maintain at least a 2.0 or higher GPA throughout the school year as well as maintain good attendance and good citizenship.

In-school expectations

Students will:

  • Attend a rigorous required elective class every day during the school day, each year of high school
  • Learn valuable skills, such as writing, note-taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, public speaking, and critical thinking
  • Learn to succeed via individual determination and take responsibility for their learning
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Students will:

  • Visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, expectations, classes, programs, and collegiate life
  • Participate in leadership and team-building activities, enrichment opportunities, and community service
  • Learn from professionals in various career fields about their job, educational backgrounds and what they did to prepare for college and career
  • Attend special events for AVID students and their families
Eligibility Criteria

AVID students must:

  • Maintain at least 2.0 GPA
  • Work hard, have a positive attitude, and work collaboratively with others
  • Complete college requirements prior to graduation
  • Take at least one rigorous course each year while in AVID
  • Have good attendance and good citizenship