AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination

  • The Mission of AVID

    AVID is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.

    • Will succeed in a rigorous curriculum
    • Will enter mainstream activities of the school
    • Will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and
    • Will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

    What is AVID?

    AVID is a regularly scheduled elective class that prepares students with academic potential for success in college.

    What are AVID student expectations?

    AVID students are expected to maintain at least a "C" average in scholarship and citizenship, to study a minimum of two hours per night, and to enroll in college preparatory classes. The AVID student's goal is to enroll in a four-year university.

    What are AVID parent expectations?

    AVID parents are expected to encourage their students to achieve academically, to maintain regular contact with the site AVID coordinator and to become involved in the activities of the AVID program.

    What happens in the AVID program?

    The AVID program is three-pronged:

    1. Students receive academic instruction in writing and in the following skills - notetaking, studying, test taking and organization;

    2. Students receive academic support from tutors through collaborative groups and peer counseling;

    3. Students are motivated to pursue academic excellence through college field trips, classroom guest speakers, and AVID team building.

    How do you recognize an AVID student?

    The AVID student carries a notebook, takes notes in all classes, is prepared for class, is a positive role model for others, and is "on-track" for college.

    For more information please visit the AVID website at , or contact the AVID Coordinator on any GPS AVID campus.

AVID Benefits

    • Attend a four-year university
    • Become an educated, responsible leader
    • Improve grade point average significantly
    • Know grades in all classes every three weeks
    • Participate in weekly tutorials in all subject areas
    • Improve writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading skills
    • Focus daily on developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
    • Learn to successfully engage in debates and Socratic Seminars
    • Increase motivation
    • Learn to identify and improve areas of weakness to ensure success in high school and college
    • Participate in college and career investigation
    • Learn time-management, goal-setting, and money-management skills
    • Learn habits of success to understand the power of personal choice in school and life
    • Receive one-on-one mentoring and assistance with a four-year plan, college essays and applications, and financial aid forms through on-site AVID computer lab
    • Increase scholarship opportunities
GPS AVID Campuses
Desert Ridge Junior High
Desert Ridge High School

AVID Rewards

    • AVID students are on their way to four-year universities.
    • AVID students build friendships with other motivated individuals.
    • AVID students become leaders at school.
    • AVID students become stars for their community.
    • AVID students become more than they ever imagined.

AVID Application

  • Are you interested in joining AVID for the 2024-2025 school year? Contact the AVID Site Coordinator at your campus for application instructions.


    Desert Ridge Junior High School: Andrew Clarke

    Desert Ridge High School: Stefanie Fortney