What is AVID?
Advancement Via Individual Determination(AVID) is a college and career readiness program designed to equip students with the academic skills, agency, and confidence needed to succeed in higher education and beyond. Through a focus on rigorous academic preparedness, opportunity knowledge, and student agency, AVID helps students master challenging preparatory coursework, explore post-secondary pathways, build self-confidence, and establish strong peer and mentor relationships, empowering them to navigate life transitions, persist through obstacles, and achieve their full potential.
At PHS, AVID is an approved college-prep "G" elective taken during the school day every year of high school. The program emphasizes writing, critical thinking, collaboration, organization, and reading, encouraging students to tackle rigorous coursework and achieve their full potential.
What AVID Students Experience
AVID balances collaborative academic support, skill-building strategies, and real-world college and career preparation:
-
Academic Tutorials: Collaborative small groups led by peers and trained tutors to help students master challenging coursework across all academic subjects.
-
AVID Core Curriculum: Proven strategies centered on WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) to elevate learning and study habits.
-
Socratic Seminars: Student-led discussions modeled after college seminar courses, aimed at deepening subject comprehension through active listening and articulate dialogue.
-
College Campus Field Trips: Guided visits to local and regional college and university campuses, giving students firsthand exposure to campus life, academic programs, and admissions expectations.
-
Team-Building Exercises: Engaging group activities designed to foster leadership, peer support, and a collaborative classroom culture.
-
Guest Speakers & Career Exploration: Presentations from guest speakers, college reps, and professionals offering insights into career pathways, college admissions, study strategies, and life planning.
How to join the AVID Program?
Incoming Freshmen
1. Submit Application: Complete the AVID application form before the deadline during Spring Semester.
2. Attend Info Night: Join our Parent/Student Information Night with a guardian to learn about the program.
3. Complete Interview: Participate in a brief interview to share your goals and enthusiasm.
Current 9th & 10th Graders
1. Speak with Your Counselor: Discuss adding the AVID elective to your class schedule.
2. Meet Requirements: Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, stay on track with A–G college entrance courses, and demonstrate a strong attendance record and a positive behavioral standing.
3. Get a Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from a current core subject teacher.
