AVID 

College and Career Readiness Program

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


AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally recognized non-profit college readiness system with the mission to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.  For all high school students the instructional strategies in the AVID college readiness system are used schoolwide and emphasize writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading, and critical thinking. 

To participate in the AVID Elective, students must apply and be accepted into the AVID program which targets middle-performing students and those who will be first generation college students who have the desire, academic potential, and determination to succeed in a rigorous high school curriculum; participate in extra-curricular activities; and apply to, enroll in, and graduate from a four-year college. 

AVID provides academic monitoring, study and organization skills, tutorials, motivational talks, test prep, and help with college planning, applications, visitations, and financial aid searches.

The AVID Elective is a one-credit course paired for a full school year with a core content course. Students enrolled in AVID take the AVID Elective course every year.

Why AVID?

Regardless of their life circumstances, AVID students overcome obstacles and achieve success. They graduate and attend college at higher rates, but more importantly, they can think critically, collaborate, and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them.

When districts partner with AVID, they receive professional development, a suite of resources, and ongoing support to ensure a lasting impact that maximizes the return on investment. 

Where is AVID?   

AVID is implemented in more than 7,000 schools in 47 states across the U.S., plus schools in Department of Defense Education, Canada, and Australia. AVID impacts more than 2 million students in grades K–12 and 62 postsecondary institutions. 

AVID Certification is structured around four AVID Schoolwide Domains

Instruction

AVID schoolwide instruction occurs when the entire instructional staff utilizes AVID strategies, other best instructional practices, and 21st century tools to ensure college readiness for AVID elective students and improved academic performance for all students.

Systems

AVID is schoolwide when systems are in place that support governance, curriculum and instruction, data collection and analysis, professional learning, and student and parent outreach to ensure college readiness for AVID elective students and improved academic performance for all students.

Leadership

AVID schoolwide leadership sets the vision and tone that promote college readiness and high expectations for all students in the school. 

Culture

AVID schoolwide culture is evident when the AVID philosophy progressively shifts beliefs and behaviors resulting in an increase of students meeting college readiness requirements.

Non-Discrimination Statement - Public Notice

In compliance with federal laws, Chatham County Schools administers all locally operated educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, marital status, pregnancy, military service, disability, gender, or sexual orientation, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the following points of contact:

Chatham County Schools AVID College Readiness System: 

Chatham Central High School: Mrs. Mary Margaret Dark,  Principal; Laurie Paige, AVID Site Coordinator

Jordan-Matthews High School: Mrs. April Burko, Principal; Elizabeth Deaton, AVID Site Coordinator

Northwood High School: Dr. Brad Walston, Principal; George Raley, AVID Site Coordinator

Seaforth High School: Mr. Tripp Crayton, Principal; Sarah Harris, AVID Site Coordinator

Chatham Middle School: Kevin Leake,  Principal; Katie Lindley, AVID Site Coordinator

George Moses Horton Middle School: Mr. Bradyn Robinson, Principal; Tiffany Johnson, AVID Site Coordinator

Virginia Cross Elementary School: Mrs. Sarah Estes, Principal; Krystal Pister, AVID Site Coordinator

For more information about AVID, visit http://www.avid.org

AVID in the News

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Congratulations Chatham Central - AVID National Demonstration School