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Welcome

Welcome to Advancement Via Individual Determination (A.V.I.D.)

Mission

“To close the achievement gap by preparing all students for success in a global society. A.V.I.D. (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges.”

A.V.I.D. Elective Teachers

Freshman: Nancy Smith

Sophomore: Nancy Smith & Edd Montelongo

Junior: Alicia Gorgani & Alfonso Dueñas

Senior: Marni Malone & Ruth Micheletti

A.V.I.D. Coordinator

Nancy Dinges Smith

The A.V.I.D. Elective Class:

San Mateo High School has eight sections of A.V.I.D. (two per grade level). The A.V.I.D. Elective is the core of A.V.I.D. The class targets students with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard who might need help navigating the path to college readiness. Most of our students will be the first in their families to attend college, and come from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. A.V.I.D. students take rigorous courses and are supported by their subject area teachers and in their A.V.I.D. elective course.

A.V.I.D. wants to ensure students stay on the college track, complete their A-G requirements, and enroll in the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for them. Throughout the four years in A.V.I.D., students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn analytical skills, receive A.V.I.D. academic help from peers and college tutors and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams a reality.

Each year, the A.V.I.D. elective course builds on the skills learned the previous year. Students will challenge themselves and work on their skills to enable each to be college-ready. During freshman and sophomore years, A.V.I.D. students push themselves in new ways and A.V.I.D. teachers support them as they explore challenging classes, set and meet academic goals, and organize course materials. During junior year, students prepare for the Scholastic Assessment Test (S.A.T.)/American College Testing (A.C.T.) during class as well as after school. Also, the junior A.V.I.D. elective course develops the skills needed in the standards to be successful college-ready students. During Senior Seminar, students go through the college application process together with the elective teacher and prepare for a college class by engaging in a seminar-based learning environment. The skills at each level of the A.V.I.D. elective class follow clear standards dictated by the A.V.I.D. curriculum.

A.V.I.D. Elective Course Standards:

  • Character development
  • Communication skills
  • Reading and writing skills
  • Inquiry
  • Collaboration
  • Organization
  • College preparedness
  • College field trips
  • Understanding the A-G requirements
  • Enrolled in rigorous academic classes

The 2023-24 AVID Application is here.