Welcome to AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, especially middle-performing students, will:

• Succeed in the most rigorous curriculum
• Enter the mainstream activities of the school
• Increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and
• Become educated, responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

What is AVID?

AVID is an elective program designed to help students  prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. AVID offers a rigorous program of instruction in academic “survival skills” and college level entry skills.  The instruction focuses on teaching students:  organizational skills (binder use, etc.); study skills; critical reading; the writing process; taking Cornell Notes; and time management skills. Students participate in collaborative study groups or tutorials led by tutors who use skillful questioning to bring students to a higher level of understanding.  Many believe that AVID is the most successful program in the nation for preparing student for college. This class will challenge the student to be responsible, organized, and to be a self-directed learner.  Therefore, there are HIGH expectations on each AVID student.  A strong emphasis of the program is on "individual determination," thus participation must be voluntary both by the student and the parents.

The AVID STUDENT Profile

• Student  with Academic Potential
• Average to high test scores; 2.0-3.5 GPA
• College Potential with support
• Desire and Determination
• Students who are motivated

Meets One or More of the Following Criteria:

• First to attend college
• Historically underserved in four-year colleges
• Low Income
• Special Circumstances

Common Misconceptions

AVID isn't a remedial program.
AVID isn't a free ride.
AVID isn't a college outreach program.

The AVID Curriculum

The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors. It is driven by the WICOR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading. AVID curriculum is used in AVID elective classes, in content-area classes in AVID schools, and even in schools where the AVID elective is not offered.

What is Required of an AVID Student?

• Students must maintain enrollment in rigorous honors courses with at least a "C" average or better along with satisfactory attendance and behavior.
• Students must keep track of assignments and are requried to take DAILY Cornell notes in all academic classes. 
• Led by college tutors, students participate in tutorial groups in the AVID classroom.  The tutorial is a significant part of the student grade, and a key ingredient for success in other classes, thus positive participation is critical.
• Students must demonstrate that they are keeping up with all of their classes, including:  keeping an Organized BINDER; completing 2 TRF's/week; weekly reading/writing assignments; revising/revisiting Cornell Notes; writing weeking Learning Logs; Reflections/Journal writing (when applicable); homework; 
• Please see the Family Letter/Expectations for further details.