Sequoia Union High School District

AVID Program

When applying online, students will need the name and email address of a teacher/counselor who will recommend them for the program.

What is AVID?

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a fourth- through twelfth-grade system (program) to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. These are students who are capable of completing a college-prep curriculum but may be falling short of their potential. The core component is the AVID elective, which supports students as they tackle the most rigorous classes. AVID’s teaching strategies, curriculum, and trainings are used not only in the AVID elective class, but by subject-area teachers schoolwide.

The AVID Student

AVID students are enrolled in an academic elective class-called AVID-taught within the school day by a trained AVID teacher. The three main components of the program are academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational activities. Their self-images improve and they become academically successful leaders and role models for other students. They are proud to be in the program. In addition, most AVID students who participate for at least three years in the program are accepted to college, with roughly three quarters getting into four-year universities. AVID also helps ensure that students, once accepted to college, possess the higher-level skills they need for college success.

Other AVID Websites

The AVID Curriculum

The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors. AVID is based on writing as a tool of learning, the inquiry method, collaborative grouping, and academic reading.

Many AVID students complete high school algebra while in middle school. We know that students who take high school algebra while in middle school, enter high school with an advantage with regard to credits and academics.

The AVID Parents

AVID Parents encourage their students to achieve academically, participate in AVID parent and site team meetings, and maintain regular contact with the AVID coordinator. Many parents and students participate in AVID Family Workshops.