• What is AVID at Southwest High?

    • AVID is an in-school academic support program for grades 4-12 that prepares all students for college eligibility and success.
    • AVID is an acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
    • Teachers apply AVID strategies of Writing, Reading, Inquiry, Organization, and Collaboration throughout Southwest High School; however there is one AVID Elective class per grade that offers focused instruction on these methods as well as on career & college research.
    • Please visit the national AVID website for more information: www.avid.org  

    What AVID isn't…

    • AVID isn’t a scholarship program
    • AVID isn't a remedial program. 
    • AVID isn't a free ride. 
    • AVID isn't a gifted program.
    • AVID isn't a college outreach program.

    Who is the Southwest High AVID student?

    • AVID students have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. 
    • These may be students who are capable of a completing rigorous curriculum but may be falling short of their potential.  
    • Many AVID students may be the first in their families to attend college.
    • Students in grades 9 - 12 may apply for AVID. 
    • AVID is for all students, whose goals include pursuing a college education, including those students who are normally in the “academic middle”.

    Who is the Southwest AVID parent?

    • AVID parents encourage their students to achieve academically.
    • These parents support their children in pursuing a college education.
    • AVID parents pparticipate in AVID Parent Nights in order to understand financial decisions and other aspects of the college application process. 
    • These parents maintain regular contact with the AVID Elective teacher.

    What is the AVID Elective class?

    • As part of their yearly schedule, AVID students are enrolled in the AVID Elective class.
    • Although this class meets all year, it only takes the place of one elective class in a student's schedule. (Please look under the File Manager for descriptions for each grade level).
    • Students will work on academic skills of organization, critical reading, and formal writing as well as life skills such as communication, problem solving, and social etiquette.
    • AVID students will also participate regularly in Tutorials where students use inquiry and collaboration to help each other understand work from their academic classes.
    • AVID students spend time researching careers and colleges to find their best match.
    • The AVID Elective classes also have guest speakers, go on field trips, and participate in community service and teambuilding.

    How does a student apply for the AVID Elective class at Southwest High?

    • Applications for the AVID program are taken in the month of March for the following school year.
    • Student records, teacher evaluations, and an interview with the student is used to determine eligibility for the AVID program.
    • Once students are accepted, they & their parents sign a contract reflecting their commitment to the AVID program for the year. (Please see the contracts in the File Manager).
    • Limited positions are available subject to class size and staff availability. Eligible students may be placed on a waiting list.
    • Applications may be taken after the deadline if there is space in the class and if the students meets eligibility requirements.