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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 National Demonstration Schools are exemplary models of the AVID College Readiness System

 

Demonstration Schools undergo a rigorous validation process and are required to be re-validated every few years to ensure high levels of implementation, with quality and fidelity to AVID strategies school-wide.

Schools and districts interested in implementing AVID, or expanding AVID in their districts or at their schools, can arrange to visit a National Demonstration School, like Rancho Viejo Middle School and experience a highly successful AVID System in action. At an AVID National Demonstration School, visitors can observe:

  • AVID as a schoolwide approach to school/campus teaching and learning improvement
  • Evidence of student achievement schoolwide
  • Strong and committed leadership to college readiness for all students at both school and district levels
  • A center of learning for AVID best practices schoolwide
  • A committed team of trained AVID educators dedicated to successful implementation of the AVID College Readiness System for all students
  • Models for excellent inquiry-based AVID tutorials—both in the AVID Elective and, in some schools, selected content classrooms
  • A showplace of the commitment and synergy that a strong AVID System creates

AVID APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
JUST PRINT OUT THE ATTACHMENT BELOW!

5th Grade AVID Application for 2017-2018 school year.