Should My Child Do AVID?

As parents consider academic support programs for their children, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) often comes up as a potential option. Designed to support students in developing strong study habits, academic skills, and college readiness, AVID is an excellent program—but is it the right fit for your child?

Below, we’ll explore what AVID offers, the types of students who may benefit the most, based on a student’s learning characteristics, academic behaviors, and aspirations.

What is AVID?

AVID is a structured college-readiness program designed to help students develop:

• Critical thinking and inquiry skills

• Organization and time management strategies

• Note-taking and study habits

• Collaboration and teamwork skills

• Confidence and self-advocacy in the classroom

The program primarily targets students who may be underrepresented in higher education or who have college aspirations but need additional academic and executive function support to get there.

Who Should Consider AVID?

A strong candidate for AVID is a student who:

• Has college aspirations but may not have access to rigorous coursework or a strong academic support system at home.

• Performs at an average to above-average level but could benefit from additional academic structure and skill-building.

• Needs better organization, time management, or study habits to excel in advanced coursework.

• Is motivated and willing to engage in discussions, group work, and collaborative learning activities.

• Could benefit from a mentor-like relationship with teachers and peers to provide accountability and guidance.

AVID may not be the best fit for students who:

• Are already highly independent learners with strong study habits.

• Are taking AP/IB/honors courses and thriving without additional academic support.

• Do not enjoy structured learning environments or collaborative work.

• Are resistant to teacher feedback, coaching, or structured study techniques.

Benefits

Improves Study Habits – AVID teaches structured note-taking, organization, and study skills that can benefit students long-term.

Boosts College Readiness – Students receive support with college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

Encourages Collaboration & Support Networks – AVID provides a strong peer support system and teacher mentorship.

Promotes Growth Mindset & Confidence – The program helps students develop resilience, goal-setting, and academic perseverance.

Considerations

Requires Extra Commitment – AVID classes involve additional coursework, activities, and structured note-taking that some students may find time-consuming.

Not a Traditional Tutoring Program – AVID focuses on skill development rather than subject-specific tutoring, so students needing direct content help may not find it sufficient.

May Not Benefit Highly Independent Learners – Students who already have strong self-discipline and executive function skills may not need AVID.

Limited in Some Schools – Not all schools offer AVID, and its effectiveness can depend on the teacher’s experience and implementation.

How to Decide if AVID is Right for Your Child

Here are a few questions to consider when making the decision:

• Does your child struggle with organization, time management, or study skills?

• Is your child motivated to go to college but unsure of the steps to get there?

• Would structured academic support and mentoring help your child excel?

• Does your child need encouragement to take more rigorous courses (such as AP or dual enrollment)?

• Would being in a collaborative, inquiry-based classroom environment be engaging and beneficial?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, AVID could be a great fit! If you answered “no” to most, your child may already have the skills AVID focuses on or may need a different type of support (such as subject-specific tutoring or a different academic enrichment program).

For the right student, AVID can be a game-changer

 By helping them develop essential skills that will benefit them in high school, college, and beyond, AVID sets students up for success in multiple contexts, not just college.. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—students who are already strong, self-sufficient learners may not gain as much from the program. If you’re considering AVID for your child, speak with their teachers, school counselors, and AVID instructors to get insight into whether the program aligns with their academic needs and aspirations.