Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID for short – is a national kindergarten-through-high-school initiative designed to increase the number of students who enroll and succeed in college and beyond. In the City School District of Albany, the program is currently in place in three elementary schools (Delaware Community School, Eagle Point Elementary School and New Scotland Elementary School), all four middle schools and at Albany High.

Albany High offers a one-credit AVID elective class for each grade, which can be found in the College and Career Readiness section of our online course catalog.

AVID has had great success nationwide in narrowing the “achievement gap.” This persistent gap in academic performance exists between African-American and Hispanic students and their white peers. There is a similar academic disparity between students from poor families and those who are better off financially.

Three days a week, students focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. On the other two days, students meet for tutoring in small groups for help on schoolwork in challenging classes. 

In addition, classes feature outside speakers representing a variety of careers.

AVID students in grades 9-12 take college trips to campuses across the state. Incoming ninth-grade AVID students and AVID students in grades 10-12 can participate in a three-week summer program on the SUNY Albany campus. 

AVID students are more likely to take and succeed in rigorous high school classes and attend college.