Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other post-secondary opportunities. AVID recruits students who are motivated to do well and who are serious about their academic future.

The AVID Elective course provides students with the skills needed to be successful in advancing academically with the ultimate goal of attending college. Within this course, students are taught study skills, note-taking, time management, writing and research skills, as well as receiving tutorial support. Additionally, the AVID class provides access to information about college and universities through field trips, guest speakers, and college tours.

AVID is a 4-year elective course at Andover High School with a focus on preparing students for 4-year universities while also building social and community skills.

AVID is:

• For internally motivated, disciplined, and determined students

• For students who want to go to a four-year university directly out of high school

• For students who want to enrich their high school experience by participating in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, community organizations, etc.

• A collaborative study/learning environment

• An ACADEMIC class

AVID is NOT:

• A study hall/time to catch up on homework/free time

• A remediation program

• A free ride

• For students who do not do their homework

• For students who have unsatisfactory attendance

• For students who act disrespectfully towards others (teachers/administration/students)

• For unmotivated students

• Automatic acceptance into college

AVID Students: Who are they? Students who…

• Desire to do well in school

• Choose and want to be in the class because they want to do well, not because the guardians request it

• Earn a GPA above 2.5 and maintain AT LEAST a 75% average in all classes

• Behave appropriately in every classroom with ALL teachers

• Attend school consistently

• Are willing to commit themselves to a minimum of 90 minutes of homework/studying each night

• Are willing to change and grow, especially in terms of how they act and carry themselves as a student

• Reflect and take responsibility for their actions or lack of action

• Do not mind stepping out of their comfort zone

What will you do in AVID?

• Skill Development: focused note-taking, organization, time management, test-taking/studying strategies, collaboration, social skills, reading and writing strategies. (Example: Cornell note checks, planner checks, binder checks)

• College Prep Classes/Activities: Field trips, AP/Honors classes, guest speakers, research projects, leadership, SAT prep, financial aid workshops, scholarship applications, college applications

• Tutoring/Studying: college students and peer tutors work with AVID students to go over difficult academic material and study for tests

• Classroom Community: community building where you will build strong relationships and learn to trust, help, and support each other 

AVID students are expected to …

• Maintain a grade of 75 or higher (or a C) in all of their classes, especially in their core (science, math, history, English, and world language) classes

• Display satisfactory attendance and academic behavior

Play this video to learn more.

Interested in applying? Fill out the AVID Application and return it by April 7, 2024.

• Student Application

• Parent/Care Giver Application