AVID

What is AVID?

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It’s a program that helps students get ready for college, careers and life after graduation. AVID builds confidence, organization and study skills while encouraging every student to aim high and reach their goals.

How AVID Helps Students

AVID helps students by:

Teaching strategies for staying organized and thinking critically.
Creating a school culture focused on college and career success.
Offering the AVID Elective class for extra support and guidance.

Every middle and high school in our district has an AVID team that supports teachers and students in building the skills needed to succeed. These teams work together to create a positive learning environment where high expectations and meaningful support help every student thrive. Through AVID, our schools empower students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with determination and purpose.

Why Apply to the AVID Elective Class?

The AVID Elective is a year-long class that students apply and interview for. In this class, students strengthen their academic skills to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. They also get support with college and career planning, especially if they are the first in their family to go to college and/or face other barriers. Most importantly, AVID students become part of a close-knit, encouraging community where they build friendships, support each other and grow together as confident, motivated learners.

You can see more information here on how AVID impacts students across the country and in specific states.

For Interested Applicants

AVID is an elective class that helps students build the skills and mindset needed for success in college, career and life. During the school day, students take AVID instead of another elective course. In class, they focus on WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading) to strengthen their academic skills. AVID students also explore college and career options, learn strategies for success and take part in team-building activities that create a close-knit, supportive community built on trust and collaboration.

Who AVID is For

Students who may be a great fit for AVID often show one or more of the following qualities:

Have strong potential to excel in school with the right support and encouragement.
May be the first in their family to attend college.
Identify with a group that has been historically underrepresented on college campuses.
May qualify for financial assistance or face economic challenges.
Face obstacles or life circumstances that have made it harder to stay on track with their college and career goals.

What AVID Students Commit To

AVID students commit to developing habits that lead to long-term success, including:

Challenging themselves academically and enrolling in rigorous courses, such as AP or IB, that prepare them for college and future opportunities.
Showing responsibility through consistent attendance, positive behavior and strong effort in all classes.
Staying organized by using effective systems to manage assignments, materials and deadlines.
Investing time in their learning by completing all assignments and reviewing materials outside of class.

If selected for AVID, students agree to remain enrolled in the AVID elective for at least one year and to meet the responsibilities listed above. Research shows that students are most likely to make strong academic progress when they stay in the AVID elective for at least three years and are most likely to meet their goal of college enrollment when they continue in AVID through senior year.

What Parents/Guardians Commit To

Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting their student's AVID journey. They agree to:

Encourage and advocate for their student's academic success.
Attend at least one school event each year.
Help ensure their student stays organized and completes assignments on time.

Who to Contact

5th-grade students interested in the 6th-grade AVID elective should contact their elementary school counselor.

Students in grades 6 through 12 should reach out to their school's AVID Site Coordinator, listed below.

Comprehensive Middle Schools

Cedar Park Middle School: Bianca McGrew

Conestoga Middle School: Amanda Harris

Five Oaks Middle School: Jamie Cooper & Kristine Rice

Highland Park Middle School: Alison McCarthy & Emily Pollard

Meadow Park Middle School: Selina Semon

Mountain View Middle School: Shelby Dunn & Ann Kennedy

Stoller Middle School: Brule Speck

Tumwater Middle School: Allyson Edwards & Jennifer Brooks

Whitford Middle School: Jody Reeg & Lindsay Laing

Comprehensive High Schools & Options Schools

Aloha High School: Martina Pedersen

Aloha Huber Park: Julian Saenz

ACMA: Dottie Passmore

BASE: Christine Muggli

Beaverton High School: Jessica Fregoso & Kellie Rosenberger

FLEX Online School: Krystal Wilson

ISB: Alysoun Lowe

Merlo Station Community School: Brian Sedey

Mountainside High School: Kristin McMurtry & Mary Mannion

Southridge High School: Addie Lyden

Sunset High School: Lynn Horihan & Stacey Freeman

Westview High School: Michael Wolf

For Potential Volunteers

AVID volunteers, known as tutors, play an important role in supporting student success. Tutors are needed in all Beaverton middle, high and option schools and commit to volunteering in at least one class per week during the school day.

Tutors guide small, student-led tutorial groups with support from an AVID elective teacher. No subject-matter expertise is required. Instead, tutors serve as coaches and mentors by helping students ask questions, think critically, and find solutions together.

Volunteers can choose the school and schedule that work best for them (Tuesday through Thursday between 8:25AM and 4:15PM), making this a flexible way to support students while fitting into their own schedule.

Why Volunteer as an AVID Tutor?

Flexible: Pick your hours and location to fit your personal schedule.
Rewarding: Make a difference in students' lives, build their confidence, and contribute to a college-going culture. You will experience the joy of seeing students' "aha" moments.
Resume builder: gain leadership, communication and collaboration skills by facilitating group discussions.
No experience necessary: Your role is to motivate and guide students. Content knowledge if not required.
Training provided: Complete six hours of pre-service training, with ongoing support throughout the school year.

Essential Duties:

Take notes, ask guiding questions, and keep the tutorial group focused.
Model academic excellence, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
Communicate regularly with the AVID teacher or site coordinator about student progress or concerns.
Commit to the same day and time each week (or every other week) to build consistent relationships with students.

Beaverton Schools

Quick Search

In This Section