Frequently Asked Questions

The AVID Program serves students who are in or above the academic middle ground and who are motivated to do well.  Students in the program often face a particular challenge/situation that in the past has made academic success difficult.  There is no one profile for AVID students, but some factors might include being a first generation student or ethnic minority, having a specific lagging skill area like executive function, math or writing, having economic or personal challenges or a demanding  home situation.

Students must apply for and be interviewed in order to be accepted into the program or must be coming from another school’s AVID Program.

AVID classes focus on academic success by supporting strong executive function and classroom skills, encouraging higher level critical thinking strategies and pursuing academic rigor.  The core curriculum shifts each year from grades 9 to 12 with the final 2 years focusing more heavily on the college application process. Freshman students, for example, have weekly binder/agenda checks, practice note-taking strategies and focus on academic self-advocacy strategies.  Sophomores continue this work but add SAT study and college research.

AVID is an academic elective that lasts for 4 years.  This is not free time to get homework done but active support in academic skill building.  Students receive a grade in the class and families are asked to actively support student success.  For freshman at LHS, AVID takes the place of the required 1 semester Career and College Exploration (CCE).  As part of the curriculum, students run tutorial groups which are socratic based problem solving study groups.  All AVID classes have 3-4 college/senior tutors in the classroom to facilitate small group learning. In addition, students focus on collaboration strategies to improve academics as well as making 1-2 college visits each year.

Beginning sophomore year, AVID students will create and link Khan Academy and College Board test score sites to create individualized program of study.  Students devote 30 minutes a week in AVID elective to vocabulary and practice test practices.

AAH is an after school support program that runs every Monday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30.  AVID students are welcome to come and complete assignments, prepare for tests or get additional support from tutors. Students in the AVID program are required to attend any time they have a classroom grade that drops below the C level, and parents are notified on a weekly basis.

No, AVID is a 4-year program.  Students who exit the program generally have better than a 3.0 and do so to pursue a class of greater academic rigor.  Part of the interview process for AVID aims to ensure the program is a good fit for the student upon entering.

Students must maintain better than a 2.0.
Parents and students sign a contract regarding grades and conduct.
Students want to support and work with peers.
Students have individual determination.