Columbia Public Schools

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system designed to increase school-wide learning and performance for students.

The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Students will:

• Succeed in a rigorous curriculum
• Enter mainstream activities of the school
• Increase enrollment in four-year colleges
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

 The objectives of the AVID system in the Columbia Public School District are to:

• Raise the expectations of students in the academic middle who desire to go to college and are willing to work hard
• Enroll middle and high school students in rigorous courses
• Optimize students' chances for success in rigorous coursework by providing necessary instruction and a system of support
• Empower students with critical college preparatory skills
• Ensure that all students graduate from high school college and career ready

The Secondary AVID Elective focuses on students in the academic middle who have a desire to go to college and a willingness to work hard. These are students capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but need support to achieve success. You can watch a brief video overview of the program and the AVID College Readiness System. 

The AVID curriculum is driven by the WICOR method (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). 

AVID is offered in the district's middle schools and the three comprehensive high schools as an elective course, through an application and selection process. Students learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and take part in enrichment and motivational activities that make college attainable. AVID students will visit college campuses several times each year to explore the different campuses and develop a sense of what they want from their own college experience. 

AVID is also being implemented in grades 3-5 at Alpha Hart Elementary. Learn more about AVID Elementary.

Where is AVID?

AVID is implemented in over 7,000 schools in 47 states across the U.S., plus schools in the Department of Defense Education, Canada, and Australia. AVID impacts over 2 million students in grades K–12 and 62 postsecondary institutions. 

Contact AVID in CPS

For more information about AVID, you can visit AVID online.