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Advancement Via Individual Determination

What IS AVID?

**AVID APPLICATIONS for grades 9-11 ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR**

 
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally recognized, certified program that has been at Woodside since 1997. AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

At Woodside, AVID I, II, III, and IV classes are part of the student's school day, and are college prep courses. 
Students earn 10 elective credits per year and satisfy the University of California “G” elective requirement.
 
 
The Program:
-- Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success.
-- Creates a supportive learning community and fosters strong student/teacher relationships
-- Encourages academic success, particularly in AS, AP, and community college courses
-- Promotes confidence and personal achievement gained through hard work and determination

Academic instruction: The AVID curriculum is driven by the WICOR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading.
 
Career Exploration and College Readiness: Students research careers, colleges, and
admissions requirements. In addition to free SAT prep, AVID students have access to
individualized support as they apply to colleges, financial aid programs, and scholarships.
 
Tutorial support: 40% of a student's time in an AVID elective class is spent in
collaborative tutorial groups similar to study groups used in college.
 
Motivational activities: AVID is, at its core, a family on campus.
Students engage in class-level and cross-level team builders. Students in all grade levels have
the opportunity to visit college campuses during the year, listen to guest speakers, and
participate in community service projects.

What is the "typical" AVID student profile?
AVID students are students in the middle/upper-middle, capable of completing a college preparatory path with support. These students often are not realizing their full potential academically. In the identification process a number of criteria are considered, including:
-- GPA (Minimum: 2.0-3.5)
-- Citizenship (No serious discipline issues allowed)
-- Attendance (Good attendance is a must)
-- Desire and Determination
-- First in the Family to Attend College in the US
-- Historically Underrepresented in 4-year colleges/universities
-- Economically Disadvantaged
-- Other Special Circumstances

February Newsletter