AVID

Middle School

Empowering students. Building success.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally recognized college and career readiness program designed to equip students with the skills, strategies, and mindset necessary for academic success. Rooted in a student-centered approach, AVID focuses on fostering critical thinking, organization, and collaboration to prepare students for rigorous coursework and post-secondary education.

Eligibility and Application Process

AVID is designed for motivated students who aspire to attend college and are willing to challenge themselves academically. Ideal candidates may be:

  • Students with a strong desire to succeed in school and beyond.
  • First-generation college-bound students.
  • Students who would benefit from additional academic and organizational support.
  • Individuals demonstrating potential but needing guidance in advanced coursework.

Students interested in joining AVID must complete and participate in an interview. The selection process considers academic performance, commitment to growth, and teacher recommendations. Applications typically open in the spring for the following academic year.

Course Curriculum & College
Readiness

The AVID curriculum focuses on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) to help students develop strong academic habits. AVID students engage in:

  • College-preparatory coursework with support for advanced classes.
  • Tutorials that reinforce learning and problem-solving skills.
  • Career and college exploration, plus guest speakers and campus visits.
  • Study strategies, note-taking techniques, and test preparation for standardized exams such as the SAT and ACT.

By participating in AVID, students gain the tools and confidence to navigate their educational journey, setting the foundation for future success in college and beyond.

AVID Courses

Join AVID and take the next step toward achieving your academic and career goals. We are offering this as an elective during students' regularly scheduled day.

AVID 7

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has been in existence for four decades. Ninety-five per cent of AVID students are accepted into a four-year college or university. Only half the students who enter college actually graduate. Among AVID students the graduation rate is 85%. This is a program that is geared to “students in the middle,” B-C students who want to go to college and are willing to work hard to reach their goal. It is particularly beneficial for students who will be the first in their family to attend college.

Beginning in 7th grade the AVID introduces all of the following skills which are built upon as student’s progress through high school: Note taking, Organization, Time Management, Writing, Socratic Seminars,  Critical Thinking, Critical Reading, All AVID students will participate in tutorials twice a week under the guidance of college students, some of whom are TPAA graduates, and they will take yearly college field trips. As students move through high school, college applications and scholarship applications are added to the curriculum.

AVID 8

AVID stands for Advancement via Individual Determination; therefore, it is necessary that students understand they are the key to their success in this program. Because this program has quite specific guidelines to help students achieve, the AVID contract and essentials must be followed. AVID is not only a class but it combines rigor and support to ensure student success in a college preparatory curriculum.

It includes instruction in study skills, organization skills, communication skills, reading comprehension, writing, collaboration, inquiry, test taking strategies, and personal development.