AVID

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college preparatory program offered to students who have room for improvement in the classroom, but have passing standardized test scores as well as the determination and desire for academic success. The AVID program is implemented now at Carmel High School, Creekside Middle School, Carmel Middle School, and Clay Middle School.

AVID is not a study hall, nor is it a remediation program for students who lack basic academic skills. Instead, AVID is an academic elective class for students who already have the potential and desire to transition into higher education after high school. It provides additional tools, resources, and opportunities focused on college and career readiness.

If your child meets one or more of the following characteristics, consider AVID:

  • Average to above average GPA
  • Performs on grade level on standardized tests
  • Studies regularly and desires to do better in school
  • Works well in a collaborative environment

The benefits of AVID extend into every classroom.  Students learn:

  • Skills for studying and organization
  • How to overcome points of confusion
  • How to advocate for themselves in school
  • What it takes to be prepared for college

All CHS AVID applications are due by December 13

APPLICATION for 2024-2025

Video: What is Avid?

Video: Students Talk About Avid

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the requirements for AVID?

Student in AVID have passing test scores and a good GPA.

2. Is AVID a class?

Yes. AVID is an elective class that fits in a student’s regular schedule.   It is a four year program, which takes up an elective space each year at Carmel High School.

3. Is there a grade in AVID?

Yes. AVID is an academic elective class with a set curriculum and standards.

4. What do you do in AVID?

During the AVID class, students learn how to take Cornell Notes in each of their classes. They also learn test-taking strategies as well as time management and proper study skills. Students explore college and career options while working with WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading). All AVID students maintain the AVID binder, which holds all of their materials from all of their classes. Teachers grade students’ notes from other classes as well as give binder grades for organization in other classes. Field trips to local colleges start in the freshman year and continue throughout the program. In the junior year, students prepare for the SAT and ACT in the classroom and begin filling out college applications. The senior year helps students apply for college and introduces them to college like assignments and activities.

5. Is AVID an easy A?

No. Students in the AVID program work harder than many students at Carmel High School. Because they are given the proper way to study, students put in the time and energy that other students sometime lack. Even though students work harder, they come to realize the work is worth it when they see the benefits of the program reflected in their grades, study habits and engagement in the school community through community service, clubs and activities. 

6. Is AVID for every student?

No. AVID is only for students who want to be in the program and will work hard in order to become college-ready. Students who do not want to be in the program will not succeed. Sometimes parents think the program is a good idea for their student; but if the student has no desire to be a part of AVID, it will not help them.

7. Is AVID a motivational program?

No. AVID is only for students how have a desire to improve and have the intrinsic motivation to be successful. 

8. Is AVID a remedial program?

No. Students chosen for the AVID program have strong academic potential.

9. If my student enters AVID, will I see immediate results?

No necessarily. It varies from student to student. The AVID strategies must be implemented and used continuously to see results. Students and parents that expect AVID to be a quick fix have unrealistic expectations. AVID works after the students learn the importance of the strategies and begin using them thought high school in ALL of their classes. Some students see results as fast as the end of freshman year while others do not see those benefits emerge until later. 

10. How much does it cost to be in AVID?

There is no cost to be in AVID.

11. Is AVID a tutoring program?

No. AVID is not a tutoring program. Students in AVID may be required to seek the help of free tutoring offered at CHS in order to keep their grades at an acceptable level but the program is not free tutoring.

12. Does my student have to maintain a certain GPA to remain in AVID?

Yes. Students in the AVID program must maintain a 2.5 and receive no Ds or Fs on grade reports. There are interventions that we take when students struggle and the students are expected to be accountable for their grades and seek help from teachers as well as other ways to improve. 

13. What are the expectations for my student in other classes besides AVID?

Students in the AVID program are expected to take the most rigorous schedule appropriate to their progress. It is the goal of AVID at CHS that all of our AVID students will take an AP/IB or Dual Credit class before the end of their junior year in High School. When considering the program, you should consider if you see your student taking one of these rigorous courses in their future. 

14. How many AVID students are there at CHS?

Currently, there are approximately 370 AVID students at CHS grades 9-12.

15. When does the application process begin and end?

Please see the tab "AVID Application Information" for details

16. How are AVID students selected?

Students are evaluated wholistically on the basis of grades, attendance, discipline, standardized test scores, the written application and the interview. 

17. When are students notified if they have been chosen for the program?

Final notifications will be provided by the end of January before middle school scheduling begins.

18. What does it mean if you are wait listed?

If you receive a letter wait listing your student, it means further evaluation is needed before offering your student a space in the program. You will receive a follow up letter once a decision has been made. Sometimes this occurs because we are waiting for additional grades, test scores or a second interview. 

19. What if my student is not chosen but really wants to be in the program?

If your student is not chosen for the program you will receive notification with a reason. Students that are not chosen due to standardized test scores or grades can resubmit an application at the Semester break of their freshman year or at the end of the year for reconsideration. 

20. If my student signs up for the course and does not like it, can they drop it?

Students may not drop the course in the middle of the year. Students should consider the program carefully before deciding to sign up. Students and parents sign a contract for the year. At the end of the year, if a student is not progressing or is unhappy with AVID, they can request the Exit Application from their elective teacher and this will begin the process to exit AVID.  They will turn in the completed document and schedule an appointment with Brittany Wiseman, the administrator over AVID, to discuss their exit.  The final step will be an appointment with their Counselor to replace AVID in their schedule with an appropriate class.

AVID Coordinator

Elizabeth Galvan

Elizabeth Galvan

TUTORS NEEDED!!!

The AVID program is looking for college students who would be interested in working as a Tutor in the AVID classroom.  Tutors needed Wednesday and Thursday weekly during the school day.  The pay is $10 per hour.  Training for the program will be offered onsite.  If you would be interested, please contact Brittany Wiseman at (317) 846-7721 ext. 7483 or by email at bwiseman@ccs.k12.in.us