Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

In 1980, Mary Catherine Swanson created AVID in a San Diego high school in order to prepare students for college by supporting their academic and motivational needs. Her goal was for them to succeed in college preparatory classes and enroll in four-year colleges and universities. The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and most especially students in the academic middle, complete a college path.

The AVID student is one with academic potential: average to high test scores, 2.0-3.5 grade point average, college potential with support, and desire and determination. They might be the first in their family to attend a four-year college/university, come from a historically "least served" ethnic group, a low income, or special circumstances. These students are willing to commit to enrollment in a rigorous college prep sequence of courses leading to advanced classes and average or above citizenship/grades, and regular attendance.

Here at Los Alisos, AVID is a yearlong elective class for both 7th and 8th graders. The AVID program teaches students specific skills that will enhance their chances of gaining entrance into a 4-year university and successfully graduating from that institution. These skills include note taking, time management, organization, inquiry, writing, study methods, public speaking, and many other skills that are required in a rigorous high school curriculum (i.e. Honors and Advanced Placement) and college. Recruitment for the AVID program begins early in the spring. Students are selected for possible inclusion based on: Grade Point Average, test scores, Teacher Recommendation, and Special Circumstances, if any. Once identified, students are invited to an informational meeting, and can then determine whether the student will pursue an individual interview. AVID students must display a desire to be academically pushed to higher levels of learning. Students are interviewed in April, and then informed of placement sometime in the month of May. Please see Mrs. Ashcraft for more information. You can reach her at diana.ashcraft@svusd.org, or 949-830-9700.

We are very proud of our AVID team! 

Los Alisos AVID Flyer

AVID At a Glance

  • 7th year of AVID at Los Alisos
  • 12 members of AVID Site Team
  • Site Team Members from all 4 CORE subjects
  • More than 55% of teachers are AVID trained
  • AVID Professional Development offered to all staff
  • Over 10 staff visited AVID Demonstration schools 
  • WICOR infused into staff meetings and Professional Development days

   2022 AVID Celebration Slides