AVID

What is AVID?

AVID stands for “Advancement via Individual Determination”. It is an ACADEMIC ELECTIVE designed to both prepare (ensure that each AVID student enrolls in the required “a-g” coursework and take the tests for college acceptance) and ready (teach and instill in each AVID student the necessary academic and social skills) to maintain enrollment at the university. Each AVID student is encouraged to take the most rigorous courses possible. Fortunately, the AVID program is designed to allow the AVID student time to collaborate with his peers enrolled in the same course(s) in order to achieve mastery of the most challenging course concepts.

The AVID student also assumes responsibility for his own learning and learns that advancing to college after high school graduation is a process rather than automatic. Therefore, other benefits afforded to the AVID student include: becoming aware of all the steps necessary to be admitted to a four-year university, working with other AVID students in preparation for the CAHSEE, CSTs, EAP, ELM, EPT, SAT, and ACT tests, learning the differences between the two public California university systems as well as other California and out-of-state universities, receiving assistance with the specific university admission personal statements, exploring various majors, applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, and much more! Below are the grade level course descriptions.

Who is an AVID Student?

AVID is designed for students who have the individual drive to do what is necessary to be prepared and ready for a four-year university upon graduation. The AVID student must remain “on-track” in the “a-g” courses and have at least a “C” average. Other criteria include but not inclusive are: first generation in their family to attend college, historically “least served” in 4-year colleges/universities, low income, and special circumstances.

AVID is a year-long elective, but to maximize the program’s benefit students should stay in AVID for the four-years of high school. Statistics show that students who begin AVID in middle school and stay in AVID throughout high school are more likely to complete college-entrance requirements and be admitted to a four-year university. Students can be recruited by the AVID site staff, recommended by teachers or other site staff, individual student referral, or by parent/guardian request.