Southwest AVID Application

What is AVID?

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a nationally recognized college readiness program.  AVID students succeed. They graduate and attend college at high rates than their peers, but more importantly, they think critically, collaborate and have high expectations. AVID strengthens academic skills while challenging students to excel. AVID builds community and relationships creating a positive, supportive peer group. AVID students are guided and mentored by their AVID teacher and the AVID tutors. The coursework in AVID emphasizes writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. 

AVID Mission Statement

AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. AVID has always believed in the importance of setting all students up for every aspect of future success.

For many students, that path includes a traditional college route; however, in many other instances, students choose other routes such as trade school, certification, military, or directly entering the workforce.

Regardless of a student’s ultimate path to a career, AVID can support the development of rigorous academic preparedness, student agency, and opportunity knowledge.

A student will be better prepared for college and career, which is core to the mission at AVID. 

AVID-at-a-Glance

AVID is an elective class that meets each day. Students stay in AVID throughout high school. AVID students spend two class hours per week sharpening academic and life skills necessary for success in college such as writing, note taking, research and study skills. Another two class hours each week consist of tutor-led study groups designed to mentor AVID students in college prep coursework including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.  One class hour a week is focused on team building, motivational activities and career and college exploration.

AVID students at Southwest are expected to:

• participate positively and fully in the AVID course and requirements,

• successfully complete a rigorous college preparatory path including AP and IB coursework,

• participate in school activities and step up as student leaders.

• apply to and attend a four-year university after graduating high school,

• demonstrate individual determination and commitment to success.

From AVID, students can expect:

• instruction and guidance in strengthening the skills and behaviors for academic success in high school and beyond,

• mentorship and guidance through tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships,

• a positive peer group,

• opportunities for experiences and leadership outside of the academic school day,

• a sense of personal pride and achievement gained through hard work and determination.

AVID student profile

• average to high test scores

• 2.0 - 3.5 GPA

• good attendance

• demonstrates college potential

• capable of completing a rigorous academic curriculum

• demonstrates the motivation and determination to succeed

AVID students must meet one or more of the criteria below:

• first generation in their family to attend college

• identify as a member of a racial/ethnic group that is under-represented on college campuses

• meet the income guidelines to qualify for free or reduced lunch

• special circumstances unique to the individual student. 

How do students join AVID?

 AVID seeks academically promising students (GPA of 2.0-3.5) and places them in advanced college prep course work (AP, IB) courses while mentoring and guiding them through the AVID elective. AVID addresses the needs of students who will be first generation college students and/or students belonging to demographic groups that are underrepresented on four-year college campuses. 

AVID prerequisites: Middle School AVID and/or application, interview and selection process; application process is open to students grades 9-11.