AVID
ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system for elementary through postsecondary that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID College Readiness System (ACRS) accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional learning, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.
"While many folks talk about what should be done to prepare students for college, AVID is doing it and has been for over 30 years."
History
AVID began in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, then-head of the English department at San Diego's Clairemont High School. The federal courts issued an order to desegregate the city's schools, bringing large numbers of inner city students to suburban schools. While applauding the decision, Swanson wondered how these underserved students would survive at academically acclaimed Clairemont High.
Her answer was AVID, an academic elective. But it's more than a program - it's a philosophy: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge.
Today
Beginning with one high school and 32 students, AVID now serves over 425,000 students in more than 4,800 elementary and secondary schools in 48 states, the District of Columbia and across 16 countries/territories. The AVID College Readiness System spans elementary through postsecondary. See our Getting Started section for information on AVID Elementary, AVID Secondary (The AVID Elective), and AVID Postsecondary.
Although AVID serves all students, it focuses on the least served students in the academic middle. The formula is simple - raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge. What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Since 2005, nearly 125,000 AVID students have graduated from high school and planned to attend college. Of the 27,891 AVID graduates in 2011, 91% plan to attend a postsecondary institution; 58% in four-year institutions and 33% in two-year institutions.
Policymakers and school administrators now consider AVID an essential strategy for closing the achievement gap and making the college dream accessible to all students.
AVID Student Profile
-
In the academic middle
-
College and Career focused with support
-
Good attendance
-
Demonstrates good citizenship in and out of the classroom
-
Has the desire and individual determination to work hard and succeed
-
Works well with others
-
May be the first generation in the family to attend college
-
Historically underserved in four-year colleges and universities
-
Special circumstances
Applying for AVID
Applications to apply for the AVID Elective are now CLOSED for the 2023-24 school year! Check back here in February for the link.
Being in AVID is voluntary. AVID students sign the AVID Student Agreement indicating their commitment to the program and to their success. The initial commitment is one year. Students are highly encouraged to continue in AVID as they progress through junior high school and throughout high school. According to studies conducted by AVID, students experience the best results after being in the class for at least three years. AVID students usually choose to stay in AVID until they graduate from high school.
Campus Contacts
Grades 7-8 Sherry Rettinger
Grades 9-12 Bruce Davis
District Contact
Tamra Warner