AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges. 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.

AVID is a global organization dedicated to preparing all students for college and post-secondary opportunities. AVID today impacts nearly 1.5 million students in 46 states and 16 other countries/territories. Round Rock ISD offers the AVID Elective course to students in grades 6-12.

At the middle and high school levels, AVID students receive support in an academic elective class called AVID. This class is taught during the school day by a trained AVID teacher. During the class, students participate in structured tutorials to support their academic achievement while also developing long-range academic and personal plans. As part of AVID, students are asked to enroll in challenging course work such as pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, UT OnRamps, or International Baccalaureate courses. The support provided during the AVID class helps pave the way for student success in these college-preparatory classes.

In order to participate in AVID, teachers nominate students and students complete an AVID application; students may also request an AVID application. Students participate in interviews as part of the selection process. The interview helps to ensure that interested students are ready and willing to take on the additional courses of rigor and put in extra effort to prepare for college after high school.

How do I apply to AVID?

Students complete the online AVID Student Application for the campus they will be attending next year. Please click on the campus name below where you plan to take AVID next year to submit an application to that campus’s AVID program. An AVID site team member will follow-up with you regarding your application status and possible interview date. (All students at Early College High School are automotically enrolled in AVID.)

Chisholm Trail Middle School

Deerpark Middle School

Cedar Ridge High School

McNeil High School

Round Rock High School

Stony Point High School

How does the AVID Elective help students?

Students in the AVID Elective are held to higher expectations and given the support they need to succeed and prepare for postsecondary opportunities. By encouraging, assisting, and advocating for students every day, AVID greatly increases the chance that AVID students will not only get accepted to college, but that they will finish college.

Why do AVID students have to take advanced coursework?

Many students progress from grade to grade without ever challenging themselves to achieve more. They do well enough to graduate but it doesn’t mean that they are college-ready. By taking college courses while they are also in the AVID Elective (and still in high school), students receive the support they need to be successful in these high level courses. Research shows persistence in these courses results in students who are more successful when they reach college.

Why was my child selected/nominated for the AVID Elective class?

Your student shows potential to succeed in advanced courses and could benefit from the skills and strategies taught in the AVID Elective class. Your student’s teachers believe your child can succeed academically as he/she prepares for college and a career with the help of AVID.

Is the AVID Elective a remedial course?

No, AVID is not a remedial course; it is a class for acceleration. Students in the AVID Elective enroll in advanced courses (Pre-AP, AP, IB, Dual Credit, UT OnRamps) and receive the support they need to succeed in those classes. Students have to be willing to work hard and want to learn ways to succeed in school and in the college or career they choose after high school.

What can I do to prepare my child for college?

Your child’s needs will depend on their current grade level. AVID has resources and tips available to help you when preparing your child for college. Also, be sure to contact your child’s school for related deadlines, college visit opportunities and ways that you can help.

Be involved in your child’s education. Ask them about their TRFs (tutorial request forms) and spend time online reviewing colleges and their career interests. Have your child complete an interest survey online to assist them in finding possible career opportunities. Discuss the numerous opportunities available to obtain a skill, certification or degree.

Round Rock ISD currently has AVID on the following campuses:

Early College High School – AVID Site Coordinator, Jaynelle Wagliardo

Feel free to contact the Site Coordinator on your campus or the District Director with any questions you may have about AVID.

We welcome all inquiries about this amazing program.

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