AVID is a program to help middle and high school students prepare to enter and succeed in four-year colleges. The purpose of the AVID program is to restructure the teaching methods of an entire school and to open access to the curricula that will ensure four-year college eligibility to almost all students.

The AVID program operates within a regularly scheduled elective class.  Upon entering AVID, students enroll in college prep classes such as Honors and AP English, Mathematics, and Foreign Language. This fulfills the requirements for entry into stateside universities.  Such entry is the goal of the AVID program.

Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for colleges.  Students receive instruction in academic “survival skills” and college level entry skills. The AVID class, teachers, tutors and parents work together to support the AVID student.  In the AVID class, students learn study skills, note taking, time management, writing skills, test taking and research skills.  Tutors work with students in collaborative groups.  Through guest speakers and field trips, students learn about careers and colleges.  Students are taught to use writing as a tool of learning in all subjects.  All AVID students sign a contract and make a commitment to complete all AVID tasks.

The seven guiding principles according to the AVID program are:

• AVID students gain access to a college preparation curriculum
• AVID elective class provides unique support for all students. The social scaffolding supporting the student placement in college prep courses is important. This support includes information concerning writing instruction, test taking strategies, and study skills. AVID students take Cornell Notes in all classes and organize work for all classes in an AVID binder.
• AVID coordinator assumes the role as coach, advocate and leader. Teacher advocacy within the school encourages students to achieve.
• AVID Site Team serves as the organizational vehicle for schoolwide change by incorporating AVID methodologies throughout the school.
• AVID is a schoolwide initiative, not a school-within-a-school one.
• Schools network between teachers and parents.
• Schools support student success.

In the United Kingdom District, AVID programs are in place at Alconbury High School, A.T. Mahan High School, Lakenheath High School, Lakenheath Middle School, London Central High School, and Menwith Hill High School.

Students are eligible who have Terra Nova stanines of 5-7 in language and math, have a GPA of 2.0-3.5, have good discipline and attendance records, receive teacher recommendations, and have a DEROS of at least one year hence. To complete the AVID registration, students must complete an application and a personal interview.