What is AVID?
AVID has been a successful strategy for Excellence with Equity in MMSD since 2007. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college readiness system that includes 3 components: 1) an AVID Elective Course for students in the academic middle in grades 7-12 supporting students in the academic middle to attend post-secondary education; 2) AVID Schoolwide, which ensures every student has access to key strategies to help them become college, career, and community ready; 3) the highest quality training and resources to support all school staff. In grades 9-12 AVID/TOPS Club is a collaborative partnership between Boys & Girls Club of Dane County (BGC) and Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) that serves supports throughout and prepares them for college.
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
What is AVID Elective Class?
The AVID Elective Class is a rigorous environment in which "students in the middle” gain the knowledge, skills, and habits to succeed in college! AVID is a daily academic class that focuses on teaching students the academic and organizational skills they will need to be successful in challenging high school and college courses. AVID is designed for students who might not be realizing their full potential in middle school, but who are motivated to be strong students and dream of attending a four-year college. Students in the AVID Elective Class visit colleges, have business and community leaders as guest speakers, and have opportunities for job internships, and mentors.
What are the AVID Results?
AVID has helped raise high school graduation rates and college readiness for all students!
AVID is improving academic outcomes for students enrolled in the AVID Elective Course!
- 100% of high school seniors who take the AVID Elective Class graduate from high school!
- Students in the AVID Elective have higher GPAs, better attendance, and better test scores than their peers.
- Research by UW-Madison proves students in the AVID Elective class are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in 4-year college, and be successful in college.
How do students apply to the AVID Elective Class?
- Students in 6th grade and 8th grade can apply to enroll in the AVID Elective Class during the 3rd academic quarter for enrollment in the following year.
- To qualify for AVID students must have the following: 1) at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0, 2) desire and determination to attend 4-year college, and 3) good attendance.
- To apply to the AVID Elective Class, students must: 1) submit an application with parent/guardian signature, and 2) interview with school staff.
- Students who are enrolled in the AVID Elective Class in 8th grade must apply to AVID again to participate in AVID/TOPS in 9th grade.