Advancement Via Individual Determination, AVID, is a college preparation program open to students in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th. It is an academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success. AVID targets students in the academic middle and higher. It is an elective course and students must apply to be admitted into the program.
Academic Preparation: We use the WICOR strategies of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading to support our students in order for them to be successful in high school and be prepared for the rigor of university courses. Cornell Notes are used in our classroom as well as in other classrooms as we know that the better the students get at taking Cornell Notes, the better their grades are! We want our students to be critical thinkers who question and research, and are able to understand what is happening around them. We want them to be active participants in the global society.
Community Service: We offer opportunities for our students to do community service and we encourage them to be more involved in school and community activities.We want our student to develop a social consciousness and realize that they are able to influence the world. We have our AVID FUN Days after school on late start days to do a community service activity and to also build community among the AVID students of all grade levels.
BOOK BASH: Another community service opportunity offered to all students. They can check out children’s books to read to their younger siblings or friends. We know the importance of reading in the education of young children and our AVID students can influence and help their siblings and friends to be more prepared academically for school.
Community Building: AVID is described as a family and through the years that is what the students really experience. This is a place where they are able to encourage and trust each other as they all have similar goals. Great friendships are developed that will last for a lifetime. AVID students are creating a network for their future.
Career Awareness: Our students explore different careers that may be of interest to them through research done in the classroom and through the Career Speakers Series that is sponsored by AVID and the College/Career Center. Every Friday during lunch we have professionals from our community speak to our students about their careers, how they prepared, and the highlights of their work. If you are interested in becoming a speaker, please contact Nancy Nitardy.
College Visits: All our students have the opportunity to visit colleges in Texas. Ninth graders usually do two college visits, and the upperclassmen are able to choose from a variety of college visits during the year.
College Application Process: Beginning in 9th grade, AVID students begin recording their extracurricular activities to have them ready when it is time to build a resume. In the spring of 11th grade, they begin writing their essays, and take their SAT and ACT tests. As soon as they begin their senior year, they apply to four-year colleges and universities. Students are required to apply to at least four universities, as well as many scholarships.
A student must want to be in AVID since this is all about “Individual Determination.” AVID students are committed to the program and to their academic success. In the identification process a number of criteria are considered, including:
- Grades
- Attendance
- Behavior/Citizenship
- Desire and Determination
- Possibly First in Family to Attend College
- Historically Underrepresented in 4-year Colleges
- Economically Disadvantaged
- Other Special Circumstances
While all of the criteria are considered for acceptance into the program, no single criteria will necessarily eliminate a student from consideration. Our aim is for the AVID program to reflect the demographics of our school.
To apply to AVID, please complete this Google Form below.
Applications for AVID 2021-22 are due March 20th.
For more information about AVID, please contact Camille Nix, AVID Coordinator.