Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
College preparation with AVID
AVID is a system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap.
AVID targets students who are typically under-represented in four-year colleges, students in the academic middle (2.0-3.5), and those who may be the first generation in the family to attend college. All AVID students who have the desire to take part in this ongoing elective course are required to complete an application and take part in an interview prior to being selected. For more information on the nationwide success of this 30+-year-old program, visit avid.org.
In its seventh year in ACPS, more than 460 AVID students are enrolled for 2015-2016 across the division at Francis C. Hammond, George Washington, Jefferson-Houston, and Alexandria City High School. With 42 enrolled in the AVID Class of 2016 this year, we are excited about what our future graduates will accomplish in regards to college acceptance, scholarships, and enrollment plans. More than 90% of all AVID 6-12 students are enrolled in advanced coursework, or honors, advanced placement, or dual enrollment courses this year. With student retention on the rise, cohorts have doubled in grades 9-12 and more sections will open for the school year 2016-2017.
Avid Recruitment is Underway
AVID recruitment is underway in all of our secondary sites through the month of March. Students in grade 5-9 who meet the required criteria have an opportunity to complete an application and interview with a panel of staff, students, and tutors. Additionally, a district-level panel will be interviewing a small group of potential candidates at each elementary school in preparation for AVID 6 at each middle school. Parent overview sessions are currently taking place at schools, but further information is available from each school's site coordinator. For more site-specific information, please contact Quanda Fudd at Francis C. Hammond, Bernadette Brown at George Washington, Carlos Seward at Jefferson-Houston, or Rhea Butler at Alexandria City High School.
College Visits Provide Campus Experience
Students from across ACPS have been taking part in campus visits at various colleges including Marymount University, University of Maryland, Hampton University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, James Madison University, and Northern Virginia Community College. Each quarter, students take part in a college or cultural trip to provide enriching experiences. Our students continue to develop their leadership and communication skills through mentoring and speaking engagements with younger AVID students.
Visit the ACPS website to learn more about ACPS AVID services.