Program Overview

AVID at Southern High School is an academic elective class comprised of Southern High's hardest-working and driven students.  Interested students apply and participate in the AVID interview process from which selections are made based on the AVID criteria and available spots.

AVID is designed to provide academic support to students in order to prepare them for eligibility for acceptance to four-year colleges and universities.  During the AVID elective, students focus on writing, reading, inquiry, collaboration and organization while engaging in higher level thinking, teambuilding and college exploration.  AVID students are mentored on their academic strengths and weaknesses and facilitate small group tutorials with their peers.  The AVID program prides itself on guiding its students throughout high school to build beautiful, well-rounded resumes as well as selfless, college-ready individuals.   

100% of the AVID class of 2022  were accepted to a four-year college or university and were offered over $5.8 million in scholarships!  We earned the highest amount of scholarships per student in AACPS for 2021 and 2022!  Included in this class was a Dell Scholar and a United States Naval Academy commit!

Testimonials

"AVID helped me because it kept me organized and helped me stay on top of my classes.  It helps you stay focused in all of your classes and be successful so you can go to college." - Kathryn Boisseau SHS AVID Alumni '18, University of Alabama '22

"AVID created the fundamental knowledge I needed to begin college.  Without AVID I wouldn't have been able to keep my studies organized or my work ethic as strong." - Colin Phipps SHS AVID Alumni '19, Salisbury University

"AVID helped me because it gave me a lot of time in class to focus on scholarships and applications so that I didn't have to struggle with them at home.  Instead I was surrounded by the support of my AVID teacher and classmates.  AVID is good for students because it makes you stay organized to be successful." - Sofia Fratino SHS AVID Alumni '19, Salisbury University

"AVID helps students because it allows them to not only get help with their school work, but also to see different viewpoints on how to do your schoolwork." - Dafne Estrella SHS AVID Alumni '20, Virginia Commonwealth University

How to get involved in your school's AVID program OR any upcoming AVID event at your school

We are always looking for volunteers to come in and tutor!  AVID is also seeking parents to be involved with FAFSA nights, Family Tailgate, and other evening parent and family events. Email SHS AVID Site Coordinator, Brad Bittinger at bbittinger@aacps.org.

Click Here to Subscribe to the SHS AVID Newsletter!