Advancement Via Individual Determination

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is a K-12 college readiness system that places students — particularly those from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education —  on the college track. As a key strategy in closing the opportunity gap, AVID students are held accountable to the highest standards with academic and social support to reach their full academic potential.

AVID prepares students for postsecondary success by equipping them with 21st Century skills, academic norms and college knowledge so they can gain confidence in their abilities and feel empowered to realize their dreams and take ownership of their education.

AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams a reality.

At the high school and middle school levels, AVID students are required to enroll in their high school’s most challenging courses — such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Enrollment. In addition, students take the AVID Elective class, which provides them with structured tutorials around group collaboration. This immersive strategy leads to a positive, college-going culture in the classroom.

• AVID is for motivated students who have the potential for honors, advanced, Pre-AP®, and AP® work in school but need support paired with the rigor.
• AVID combines rigor with support that includes each student’s own individual determination and the support of teachers, other AVID students, family members, the AVID teacher(s), and college tutors.
• Students in AVID must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the school year.

Students are individually assessed and accepted by their application and interview with the school AVID team. In addition to being individually motivated and maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the school year, additional factors that are considered for acceptance include:

• Comes from a low-income or single-parent family. 
• Would be first in their family to attend college. 
• Is proficient or close to proficient on state tests. 
• Is able to complete four-year university entrance requirements prior to graduation. 
• Is a hard worker, has a positive attitude, and is collaborative in nature. 
• Is from a racial, cultural, or economic group historically underrepresented in colleges and universities. 
• Has potential, but may also have special circumstances that could be obstacles to achievement.

AVID CELEBRATIONS

Narissa Stahl (right) was selcted to be the keynote speaker for AVID’s National  Summer Institute, showcasing the outstanding work she does with AVID students every day at Denver Public Schools.

Narissa Stahl and AVID students from Denver Public Schools.