Taft's AVID Program

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a three-year program (grades 10-12) that prepares students for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record of bringing out the best in students and in closing the achievement gap. Aligned with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, students are prepared to be successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners. 

The mission of AVID is to ensure that ALL students will succeed in a rigorous curriculum, complete a college preparatory path, participate in extracurricular activities of the school, increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and become educated and responsible participants and leaders within our school community.

The elective meets daily; students will learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking, ask higher-level questions, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college attainable. With improved confidence, AVID students will become academically successful leaders and reach their college dreams!

We are looking for students who:

• Demonstrate a need for the program

  • Academic (C or B Students) 

  • First-Generation College Student

  • Organization Help

  • Test-Taking Help

• Want to be part of a supportive, academic community

• Demonstrate a desire to attend college  

• Have a solid attendance and behavior record.  

• Commit to take higher-level courses such as Honors, AP, IB, and/or Dual-Credit.

• Agree to meet the student responsibilities and expectations listed in the AVID Contract.

Want to learn more about AVID?

Please visit our website to learn more about our program. You can also contact Juan Salinas at jgsalinas@cps.edu with any questions.