Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a national college readiness system implemented for students with recognized academic potential, an individual determination to succeed, and a desire to take challenging courses that lead to four-year college enrollment. Twenty-five Fairfax County Public Schools represent the thousands of schools across 47 states in the United States.

The Mission of AVID

The mission of AVID is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID’s goal is to ensure that students capable of completing a college preparatory path will: succeed in the most rigorous curriculum, actively participate in the school community, enroll in a four-year college, become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

TJ Permission Slip

What is AVID?

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges. This diverse group of selected students is;

  • enrolled in the AVID elective class
  • enrolled in rigorous academic courses 
  • involved in extra-curricular sports and activities
  • gaining knowledge and leadership skills
  • supported by an AVID mentor

Who Enrolls in AVID?

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. AVID students are enrolled in the 9th grade and remain in the AVID program until they graduate from high school.

What Is the AVID Student Profile?

AVID students are learners who

  • Have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5
  • Are motivated and determined to succeed in school
  • Have a goal of attending a four-year college and are willing to take advanced coursework to achieve that goal
  • May be are the first in their family to attend a four-year college, historically underserved in four-year colleges, low-income, or have other special circumstances. 
  • Have average or above-average standardized test scores in language arts and math (somewhat lower in English for emerging ESOL students)

Why Would a Student Apply for AVID?

Since 1990, more than 65,300 AVID students have graduated from high school and planned to attend college. Of the 2009 AVID graduates, 92 percent planned to attend college; 60 percent to a four-year college and 32 percent to a two-year college. The AVID program provides substantial information and support for students who are interested in attending college. 100% of the AVID class of 2010 intends to attend college and many have already been accepted.

When Are AVID Students Selected?

Students who are interested in the AVID program must participate in the selection process which includes an application and interview. The selection process takes place between February and May.

Where Does AVID Take Place?

Students enrolled in the AVID program take the AVID elective during the school day as part of their academic schedule. There are AVID activities and events such as but not limited; leadership, team-building, community-involvement, and college field trips that take place off-campus, during non-school hours.

What Are Some Other Beneifts Associated with AVID?

  • Exposure to College
    • All AVID students have the opportunity to visit two college campuses during the school year, but we also host other events where we've had guest speakers and college panelists visit with our students.

  • College Readiness

    • A few key components of the AVID curriculum are learning how to take Cornell Notes, composing Tutorial Request Forms (TRF's), and learning a specific way to organize your binder.

  • Leadership & Public Speaking Skills

  • Communication Skills 

  • Empathy

  • Integrity

  • Decision-making

Who are Our School AVID Contacts?

AVID Administrator

AVID Coordinator

AVID Elective Teachers

Our Staff