AVID
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is not just another program, it is a research-based school-wide system that prepares all students for college, career, and community readiness. At its heart AVID is a philosophy: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge. This college readiness program is for elementary through higher education students. The system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of instruction and provides meaningful and motivational professional learning. In MMSD, students can begin the AVID program as early as 7th grade. When entering high school, students apply to the program and remain in the AVID elective class, with a cohort group of students, all four years of high school.
This college readiness system includes 3 components:
- an AVID Elective Course for students in the academic middle in grades 7-12 supporting students in the academic middle to attend post-secondary education;
- AVID Schoolwide, which ensures every student has access to key strategies to help them become college, career, and community ready;
- the highest quality training and resources to support all school staff.
In Madison, we are fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. The Boys & Girls Club provides financial support to the AVID program through tutors, school supplies, and field trips. This partnership is integral to the success of the AVID Program. In Madison, we are not just AVID, we're AVID/TOPS. TOPS stands for Teens of Promise, a Boys & Girls Club college readiness program. To find out how you can get involved, go to the Boys & Girls Club website.
AVID Mission
AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Contact Information:
AVID Coordinator:
Johanna Golden
AVID Coordinator:
Josh Bacskai
Additional Resources:
What is the AVID Elective Class?
The AVID Elective is a class that students can start taking as 7th graders and continue through high school. It is part of the academic day. It:
- teaches skills and behaviors for academic success
- provides a positive diverse peer group for students
- gives students amazing opportunities including: college campus visits, professional internships, guest speakers and community mentors
What is the student profile for the AVID Elective Class?
AVID is designed for students with academic potential, students who are in the academic middle who need a little extra support and encouragement to be successful in higher level courses. AVID students all have a strong dream of attending a 4 year college and the goal of the program is to get them there. Typically, AVID students have average to high test scores, a 2.0 through a 3.5 grade point average, college potential, and a desire and determination to work hard and study smart. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.
Additionally, an AVID student is one who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- First in family to attend college
- Historically underserved in 4-year colleges
- Low family socioeconomic status
- Special circumstances
What is the process to apply to the AVID Elective Class?
Contact a Memorial High School AVID Coordinator for more information about the application process.
Jefferson
Nicole Alexander
naalexander@madison.k12.wi.us
Click to join the “Memorial AVID 9 Application Classroom”
Join Code via Google Classroom = 3qbhkwn
Spring Harbor
Tally Kruger
tkruger@madison.k12.wi.us
Click to join the “Memorial AVID 9 Application Classroom”
Join Code via Google Classroom = 3qbhkwn
Toki
Ben Serwe
bmserwe@madsion.k12.wi.us
Click to join the “Memorial AVID 9 Application Classroom”
Join Code via Google Classroom = 3qbhkwn
Wright
Linda Bernhardt
lbernhardt@madison.k12.wi.us
Click to join the “Memorial AVID 9 Application Classroom”
Join Code via Google Classroom = 3qbhkwn