What AVID is:

 VISION… A DREAM…

In 1980, Mary Catherine Swanson created the AVID program in San Diego as an answer to the problem enrolling under-served students in post-secondary education and reaching students in the academic middle. Beginning with one high school and 32 students, the program now serves over 250,000 students in more than 3500 schools in 45 states and 15 countries. The AVID Program has graduated more than 35,000 students and matriculated them to college at over a 95 percent rate. Nationally, over 89 percent of AVID graduates go directly to a four-year college, which is significant compared to the 34 percent for non-AVID students. AVID students represent the very best and brightest students at Hamilton and to date our 257 alumni have amassed over 55 million in college scholarships.

WHAT IS AVID?

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an academic program designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The target AVID student is a student who has a strong desire to attend a four-year university. AVID students are bright students who display strong academic potential, or are first generation college students who could benefit from additional guidance and support. The AVID elective is a class that provides social and academic support as well as academic monitoring and tutoring which is offered all four yars of high school. The class focuses on reading and writing skills, organizational skills, Socratic questioning skills, and collaborative learning skills. Students have access to college-age tutors and take part in test preparation lessons to increase their performance in rigorous classes as well as standardized exams, such as the SAT and ACT.

What is AVID? Video

Why should I take AVID? video

AVID CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students will:

• bring a strong work ethic to AVID

• complete their assignments and do their best in all of their classes

• maintain positive attendance and classroom behavior

• commit to enrollment in a rigorous college preparatory sequence of courses, including “possible” advanced or AP courses based on academic ability

• maintain a minimum 2.58 GPA/ progressing each year

• demonstrate integrity on campus and in the community

• Visit avidonline.org for more information

   

Hamilton AVID Program Highlights:

• 6 years of graduates: 200 graduates and $10,000,000 in scholarships, with the top earner receiving $890,000

• Noted schools admittance: Notre Dame,The Naval Academy, Oregon State, Arizona State, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon University

•  Some majors: Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Law, Political Science, Physical Therapy, Education, Global Studies, and Nursing

• AVID students have taken a combination of 16 different AP subject tests.The top AVID student entered college with 64 college credits – entering as a junior

• AVID Registration 

  Tier one: Honors/AP Path	Tier two: On level to Honors Path
  Ability—academic potential to succeed in college preparatory courses (Honors or AP) while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.8 any given year the student is enrolled in AVID.	Ability—academic potential to succeed in on level rigorous courses while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 during 9th and 10th grade. The student must attempt at least one Honors or AP course each year beyond the sophomore year for the remaining years that student continues in AVID while maintaining a 2.8 GPA.
  Desire and determination—desire to attend college, have a good attendance record and willingness to undertake demanding preparation for college.	Desire and determination—desire to attend college, have a good attendance record and willingness to undertake required preparation for college.
  May be first generation in family to attend college or	May be first generation in family to attend college or
  Historically underrepresented  in four-year colleges and universities or	Historically underrepresented  in four-year colleges and universities or
  Special circumstances	Special circumstances
  Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude, work collaboratively with others, and always represent the AVID community with commendable behavior and attendance.	Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude, work collaboratively with others, and always represent the AVID community with commendable behavior and attendance.
  Must be able to complete four-year university admissions requirements prior to graduation.	Must be able to complete four-year university admissions requirements prior to graduation.
  Must register for at least one Honors/AP course every year while in AVID.	Must register for at least one Honors/AP course their junior and senior year.
  AVID students on this path will graduate with the distinction of an AVID Honors Stole.	AVID students on this path will graduate with the distinction of an AVID Honors Cord.

  *AVID Site Counsel reserves the right to remove any student based on non-exemplary behavior.  

What is AVID? Video

Why should I take AVID? video