AVID

AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and success in a global society.

What is AVID?

AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally recognized non-profit college readiness system with the mission to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.  For all high school students the instructional strategies in the AVID college readiness system are used schoolwide and emphasize writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading, and critical thinking. 

To participate in the AVID Elective, students must apply and be accepted into the AVID program which targets middle-performing students and those who will be first generation college students who have the desire, academic potential, and determination to succeed in a rigorous high school curriculum; participate in extra-curricular activities; and apply to, enroll in, and graduate from a four-year college. 

AVID provides academic monitoring, study and organization skills, tutorials, motivational talks, test prep, and help with college planning, applications, visitations, and financial aid searches.

The AVID Elective is a one-credit course paired for a full school year with a core content course. Students enrolled in AVID take the AVID Elective course every year.

Why AVID?

Regardless of their life circumstances, AVID students overcome obstacles and achieve success. They graduate and attend college at higher rates, but more importantly, they can think critically, collaborate, and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them.

  • 94% of AVID students complete four-year college entrance requirements.

  • 90% who apply are accepted into four-year colleges.

  • 85% persist into the second year of college.

  • First generation, low-income AVID alumni who go to college are FOUR times more likely to graduate than their national peers.

When districts partner with AVID, they receive professional development, a suite of resources, and ongoing support to ensure a lasting impact that maximizes the return on investment. 

  • AVID training energizes and refreshes teachers by providing effective approaches to engage students. 

  • AVID helps teachers tap into the way that students naturally like to learn and helps principals find clarity, confidence, and comfort with instituting change. 

  • AVID aligns with district goals to accelerate and enhance the work that is already happening.

Where is AVID? 

AVID is implemented in more than 7,000 schools in 47 states across the U.S., plus schools in the Department of Defense Education, Canada, and Australia. AVID impacts more than 2 million students in grades K–12 and 62 postsecondary institutions. 

As of May 2023, Chatham County Schools currently has 13 AVID schools.   They are:  Virginia Cross Elementary, Chatham Middle, George Moses Horton, Pollard Middle School, Bennett School, Bonlee School, JS Waters School, Moncure School, Silk Hope School, Chatham Central High School, Jordan-Matthews High School, Northwood High School and Seaforth High School.    During the 2024-2025 school year, AVID will expand to Chatham Early College and One Academy. 

AVID Certification is structured around four AVID Schoolwide Domains

Instruction

AVID schoolwide instruction occurs when the entire instructional staff utilizes AVID strategies, other best instructional practices, and 21st century tools to ensure college readiness for AVID elective students and improved academic performance for all students.

Systems

AVID is schoolwide when systems are in place that support governance, curriculum and instruction, data collection and analysis, professional learning, and student and parent outreach to ensure college readiness for AVID elective students and improved academic performance for all students.

Leadership

AVID schoolwide leadership sets the vision and tone that promote college readiness and high expectations for all students in the school. 

Culture

AVID schoolwide culture is evident when the AVID philosophy progressively shifts beliefs and behaviors resulting in an increase of students meeting college readiness requirements.

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AVID Elective Classes

For more information about AVID, visit http://www.avid.org

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