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What is AVID?
  • AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a professional development program that uses research-based strategies and curriculum.
  • AVID is a structured, college preparatory system working directly with schools and districts that was established over 30 years ago.
  • AVID is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor that impacts more than 700,000 students in K-12 and 41 postsecondary institutions.
  • AVID has been adopted by nearly 4,900 schools in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 countries.
  • AVID en Español
AVID

AVID is a program for students who are academically “in the middle.” However, AVID students must also have a strong desire to attend school beyond high school and have the Individual Determination to do what it takes to get there. AVID students have the potential for honors/accelerated work in middle school and high school, but need academic and emotional support from teachers, other AVID students, their AVID teacher, and tutors. AVID students are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the school year in middle school and a 2.5 GPA in high school.

Through rigorous curriculum, AVID helps students improve their reading, writing, and math skills, which are essential to success in college and professional careers. The curriculum also features inquiry, collaboration, note-taking, various study skills, and motivational activities. AVID students are taught how to prepare for tests, time management, organizational skills, and public presentation skills.

AVID is not a special education, “at-risk,” or ELL program. It is also not a study hall or tutoring class. AVID is not for students who have behavior issues or students who frequently don’t complete any of their homework. AVID is not a program for unmotivated students who consistently have “D’s” or “F’s” in all subject areas.

AVID students are students who:
  • Are “Middle to Upper-Middle” academic students. These students have the potential for honors/Pre-AP work in school, but need academic and emotional support paired with the rigor.
  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the year.
  • Have plans to attend a college or university after High School
  • Are proficient or ‘on the bubble’ of state tests
  • Come from a low-income or single parent home
  • Would be first generation in their family to attend college
  • Would be able to complete four-year university entrance requirements prior to graduation
  • Are hard workers, have positive attitudes and are collaborative in nature
  • Are underrepresented racially, culturally, or economically in colleges and universities
  • Have potential, but may also have special circumstances that could be obstacles to achievement