AVID

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

In Bellingham, three schools currently have AVID as an elective program; Squalicum High School, Shuksan Middle School and Kulshan Middle School. AVID serves over 400 students with intensive research proven support. This year we will graduate our first AVID class from SqHS. These students began their AVID journey as eighth grade students at Shuksan Middle School, most with no aspirations for going to college. Almost all of the diverse AVID class of 2012 will go to a four year college. All of us are proud of thier accomplishments.

"While many folks talk about what should be done to prepare students for college, AVID is doing it and has been for over 30 years."

Although AVID serves all students, it focuses on the least served students in the academic middle.  The formula is simple - raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge. What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Since 1990, more than 85,500 AVID students have graduated from high school and planned to attend college. Of the 22,210 AVID 2010 seniors who reported their plans, 91.3% intended to attend a postsecondary institution; 58.3% in four-year institutions and 33.0% in two-year institutions.

To Learn more about AVID check the links to the right, or better yet, visit one of our three AVID schools and see for yourself what makes AVID special and different.