Annual Recruitment
Students in grades 5-9 who meet the required criteria have an opportunity to complete an application and interview with a panel of staff, students, and tutors. Additionally, a district-level panel will be interviewing a small group of potential candidates at each elementary school in preparation for AVID 6 at each middle school. Parent overview sessions take place at schools, but further information is available from each school's site coordinator. Please reach out to your child's school for more information and for the application packet. This year we will be conducting an e-Recruitment and Application process. For SY2021, e-applications and interview schedules will be set up and shared by the grade level counselors, AVID elective teachers, and site coordinators beginning in February. Reach out to counselors for more information.
For rising 6th grade AVID elective students wanting to take AVID in 6th grade, a select number of 5th graders are first recommended by counselors in the early spring. E-Interviews will take place and a small group of committed students are accepted at FCH, GW, and Jeff-Houston, and Patrick Henry (inaugural cohort SY21) after application completion. If students are not accepted to enroll in 6th grade, they are encouraged to re-apply for AVID 7 where there are additional expansion opportunities.
For 2021-22, ACPS AVID is expanding its AVID Family! FCH will offer AVID Excel 6, 7, 8, and GW will offer AVID Excel 6, 7 for long-term English Learners and aspiring bilingual students who wish to enroll in college post-high school. At Patrick Henry, we will continue to build the AVID elective by offering AVID 7 and 8 classes and onboard AVID 6 during the fall of 2021.
For more site-specific information, please contact Shanel Thomas at Francis C. Hammond, Stacy Palmer at George Washington, Kara Collins at Jefferson-Houston, Michelle Hogan at Patrick Henry or Rhea Butler at A.C High School.
Top 10 Recruitment Questions
How can I find out more about AVID in ACPS?
Contact your local school's AVID Site Coordinator or elective teacher. The counselor can also provide a brief overview of the elective course and what it has to offer. Learn more
What is AVID?
AVID is a college readiness system that works to decrease the achievement gap between student groups and prepares all students for a global society. It serves as an equalizer and prepares students to be able to enroll and persists in a four-year higher education institute. AVID also serves as a school-wide reform model that transforms instruction, leadership approaches, school-wide systems, and school culture to ensure that all students are primed for post-high school training or educational pathway.
What kind of commitment is expected for the AVID elective?
First and foremost, students must have a desire to be part of the AVID elective course. Students sign a contract showing a stated interest and they are expected to be at their best at all times. AVID Center studies show that students who are a part of AVID for three or more years and participate through their senior year out perform their peers nationally in most categories including on-time graduation, college acceptance, and college persistence.
Where is AVID in ACPS?
Present since 2008, AVID is now a part of all secondary schools in ACPS. The AVID System is part of all schools through staff development and common cultural norms related to the college-going process. The AVID elective course plays a role in this effort where students in grade 6-12 apply, are accepted, and enroll in the course over a series of years. AVID Elementary is a systematic model used at Cora Kelly Elementary and Patrick Henry School where alignment of instruction, leadership, systems, and culture all promote rigor and student success. AVID Elementary school students plan and realize their path to success through thoughtful organization, goal setting, and development of self. Patrick Henry engages in both the AVID Elementary and Secondary system and affords the elective course to some middle school students. AVID Excel is only available at FCH at this time.
How do I know if I fit the AVID elective criteria?
AVID students are typically average to above average academically and are students who want to attain a four-year college education. These students agree to take on rigorous courses and abide by the AVID processes expected while a member of the AVID family. AVID students are generally members of an underserved sub-group, may be first in their family to attend college, may be second-language learners, receive free or reduced lunch, or may have a special circumstance where AVID can serve as a support for him/her. AVID Excel students have been in the United States for at least five years and are still learning the English language. Above all, AVID students are determined to do well and want to advance who they are as they prepare for higher education.
What happens if I am not accepted to AVID initially?
Students in grades 5-9 can apply for the AVID elective during course scheduling with their counselor in the spring. Students must complete an application and go through an interview process. If a student is not accepted, it may mean they are just not ready "yet." Depending on the individual situation, a student may prepare to reapply later that year or up until the end of 9th grade. Not all students are accepted and seating capacity has become a challenge, so schools may use a "wait list" process in case a seat opens later on.
At what grade level can I apply to the AVID elective course?
After a recommendation is made by a school-based counselor, 5th grade students in the spring can apply for AVID 6. Due to limited seating, we seek students who are fully ready and committed and plan to stay in the AVID elective. Students can self-select to apply in grades 6-9.