The Mission of AVID
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system for elementary through postsecondary that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The AVID College Readiness System (ACRS) accelerates student learning, uses research-based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional learning, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

History
AVID began in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, then-head of the English department at San Diego's Clairemont High School. The federal courts issued an order to desegregate the city's schools, bringing large numbers of inner city students to suburban schools. While applauding the decision, Swanson wondered how these underserved students would survive at academically acclaimed Clairemont High. Her answer was AVID, an academic elective. But it's more than a program - it's a philosophy: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge.

Today
Beginning with one high school and 32 students, AVID now serves over 425,000 students in more than 4,800 elementary and secondary schools in 48 states, the District of Columbia and across 16 countries/territories. The AVID College Readiness System spans elementary through postsecondary. See our Getting Started section for information on AVID Elementary, AVID Secondary (The AVID Elective), and AVID Postsecondary.

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. What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Since 2005, nearly 125,000 AVID students have graduated from high school and plan to attend college. Of the 27,891 AVID graduates in 2011, 91% plan to attend a postsecondary institution; 58% in four-year institutions and 33% in two-year institutions.”

Prerequisite:
Students with Academic Potential
* Average to High Test Scores
* 2.0-3.5 GPA
* College Potential with Support
* Desire and Determination, and

Meets One or More of the Following Criteria:
* First to Attend College
* Historically Underserved in 4-year Colleges
* Low Income
* Special Circumstances