La Quinta High School

AVID

AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction | AVID National Demonstration School

79-255 Blackhawk Way, La Quinta, CA 92253 | (760) 772-4150

AVID Coordinator: James Martin (james.martin@desertsands.us)

Click Here for 2025-2026 LQHS AVID Application

La Quinta High School is a National Demonstration School!

On March 17, 2025, La Quinta High School was honored to receive designation as the 201st "AVID National Demonstration School" in the country. This honor is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and families! 🎉

Some highlights from AVID Center's visit include:

"As a campus where student aspirations and opportunities shape access and accountability, [LQHS] are leading the way."
"The Blackhawk community believes in activating students' potential through numerous leadership roles, including leading family/community events, being ambassadors for district AVID Paths, peer tutoring, and planning and executing recruitment rallies. Additionally, this year, AVID students have attended 18 field trips for 10th-12th graders, including overnight experiences that extend learning far beyond the classroom."

What is AVID?

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID was founded in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, an English teacher in San Diego, CA. What started as a one-teacher program for 30 students has become a national success story. AVID exists in 7,000 public schools in 47 U.S. states, closing the opportunity gap for over 2 million students.

AVID Educators are hope-carriers and we believe that every student has the ability to achieve their highest level of potential - sometimes, they just need a little push. AVID will be here for the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens every step of the way. AVID is a family and what may begin as just a 9th-grade elective will carry you to success for life, college, and career.

With AVID by your side, you will be able to identify, follow, and realize your dreams. The journey will not be easy but we promise you, it will be worth it. Take this journey with us and join AVID at La Quinta High School!

"AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society."

LQHS AVID Program Calendar of Events, 2025-2026

AVID's Mission at La Quinta High School

The La Quinta High School AVID program will develop AVID Scholars who are college and career ready. We partner with students, parents, school staff, and the community to ensure that all LQHS AVID Scholars:

Strengthen Student Agency and Efficacy.
Develop a greater understanding of what it means to be a highly effective teenager.
Build leadership and public speaking skills in our AVID Scholars.
Are service-oriented leaders with a passion for community.
Maintain "C's" or higher in ALL classes.