What is the AVID Program?

AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Here at Villa Park, AVID is not just another program, it is a culture and a family. We aim to hold students accountable to the highest standards while providing them with academic social support so that they can rise to any challenge. 

 

What is the AVID Elective?

The AVID Elective is a class that meets daily. It targets students in the academic middle–B, C, and even D students–with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and come from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in their school’s toughest courses, such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams reality.

 

What is the AVID Curriculum?

Across all content areas, AVID’s research-based strategies and curriculum develop students’ academic skills such as: reading, writing, and critical thinking. Academic behaviors, including organization, time management, and goal setting, are also taught as part of the AVID System. The AVID curriculum was developed by elementary, middle, and high school educators in collaboration with college professors. Driven by the WICOR method, and based on rigorous standards, AVID’s curriculum supports high levels of academic achievement for all students and aligns to state and national content standards.

 

What is the AVID Student Profile at Villa Park High School?

Villa Park High School encourages all qualified incoming 9th to 11th grade students to apply for the AVID Program. An AVID applicant student is a 9th-11th grade student with academic potential who meets one or more of the following criteria:

  •  2.5 or above GPA

  • Average to above average test scores, citizenship and attendance

  • Has college potential if he/she receives the proper support

  • Has the desire and determination to go to college and must take A-G courses

  • First generation college-bound student

  • May have special circumstances that hinder their ability to seek college assistance on their own

Why Join the AVID Family at Villa Park High School?

AVID's mission is to be an essential strategy for closing the achievement gap, making college access and success available to all students. Specifically, AVID:

  • Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success

  • Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships

  • Creates a positive peer group for students

  • Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination

  • Provides college students as tutors who act as role models and facilitate academic discussion in regularly scheduled tutoring sessions

  • Provides assistance and guidance in completing college applications, scholarships and securing financial aid for college

  • Enlists guest speakers who provide motivation, college and professional career information to students

  • Students participate in field trips to colleges and universities twice a year

  • Students participate in extracurricular and community events

If you would like more information concerning our AVID program, please contact our AVID Coordinator:

Mrs. Werner at lilyanne.werner@orangeusd.org 

Meet our AVID Team