AVID is a college readiness system started in 1980 to increase schoolwide learning and performance. It accelerates student learning through research-based instruction and professional development. AVID began at one high school with 32 students and now serves over 425,000 students in 4,800 schools across the U.S. and other countries. The AVID College Readiness System addresses elementary through postsecondary student needs to help students progress from elementary school to postsecondary completion.

2. What is AVID?
• AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination,
is an elementary through postsecondary college
readiness system that is designed to increase school
wide learning and performance.
• The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses
research based methods of effective instruction,
provides meaningful and motivational professional
development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic
reform and change.

3. History of AVID
• AVID began in 1980 by Mary Catherine
Swanson, then-head of the English department
at San Diego's Clairemont High School.
• AVID = an academic elective

4. Today
• Beginning with one high school and 32 students,
AVID now serves over 425,000 students in more
than 4,800 elementary and secondary schools in
48 states, the District of Columbia and across 16
countries/territories.

5. AVID Program
• The AVID College Readiness System (ACRS)
incorporates three distinct components - AVID
Elementary, AVID Secondary
(Elective) and AVID Postsecondary. Each
component addresses the needs of students to
help bridge the path from elementary school
through postsecondary completion.

6. Program Benefits
• Targets students performing in the academic
middle
• Place students into more rigorous courses,
empowering them with critical college
preparatory skills
• Provide intensive support strategies

7. To find out more about the
AVID Program in Chicago, please visit or call:
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
125 South Clark Street
12th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Phone: (773) 553-2108
Fax: (773) 553-3905