AVID

What is Avid?

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college and career-going system in grades K-12. Through the use of critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, relationship building, and a growth mindset, students establish a belief in themselves, develop confidence, and persist through obstacles to obtain their goals. Educators provide students what they need by ensuring intentional support in the areas of Rigorous Academic Preparedness, Opportunity Knowledge, and Student Agency to be successful in school and life. Partnering with students along their educational journeys means the adults Insist on Rigor, Break Down Barriers, Align the Work, and Advocate for Students. These actions detail what educators do to allow SPS186 students to harness their learned skills and utilize them to take advantage of the opportunities that arise while on the path to achieving their dreams.

AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

Profile of an AVID Student:

The AVID Elective class is a perfect opportunity for students who can answer “yes” to the following statements:

I want to go to college or a trade school and I am willing to work hard to get there.
Sometimes I don’t do as well as I can in my classes, but I want to improve.
I would benefit from a classroom environment that will hold me accountable but be supportive and caring.
I have goals for my life but need support achieving them.

Interested in becoming an AVID student?

Click HERE to complete an application to become an AVID student for the 2026-2027 school year!

Meet the 186 Avid Team

Dr. Erica Filipiak, Director of College & Career Readiness and School Leadership

Missy Netznik, AVID and STEAM Teachers on Special Assignment

AVID Elementary

By teaching and reinforcing academic behaviors and higher-level thinking at a young age, AVID Elementary teachers create a ripple effect in later grades. Elementary students develop the academic habits they will need to be successful in middle school, high school, and college, in an age-appropriate and challenging way. Children learn about organization, study skills, communication, and self-advocacy. AVID Elementary students take structured notes and answer and ask high-level questions that go beyond routine answers.

The strong college-going culture at an AVID Elementary school encourages students to think about their college and career plans. Schools cover their walls with college pennants and banners, and educators speak about their college experiences. College and careers are no longer foreign concepts, and teachers provide the academic foundation students need to be on a path for college and career success. AVID Elementary focuses on closing the opportunity gap before it begins.

AVID Secondary

AVID Secondary is a college and career going system that places special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and reading skills. It equips teachers and schools with what they need to help students successfully navigate the rigors of high school and college level coursework.

AVID has developed the AVID Elective course to meet this need. For one period a day, students receive the additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in their school’s most rigorous courses. Districts have the flexibility to decide how many AVID Elective classes to start and which grade levels will implement AVID first. Additionally, in middle school, the language and literacy needs of long-term English language learners can be addressed through the AVID Elective Class.

The power of AVID Secondary is the ability to impact students in the AVID Elective class and all students throughout the school. AVID Secondary can have an effect on the entire school site by providing classroom activities, teaching practices, and academic behaviors that can be incorporated into any classroom to improve engagement and success for all students. Teachers can take what they've learned at AVID training back to any classroom to help all students, not just those in AVID, to become more college- and career-ready.