Turning Determination Into Dreams with AVID

In classrooms across Fulton County, students in the AVID program are learning new concepts beyond mathematics and grammar. They’re learning how to plan for their future. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a long–running program that continues to shine brightly among Fulton County Schools (FCS), helping students develop lifelong academic and personal skills.

Currently offered in 26 schools across the district, including five elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools, AVID works to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and careers. Students in the AVID program have recognized it as not only a class that prepares them for their future, but a family that supports one another.

AVID Director Dr. Erica Fox shared her pleasure in hearing stories from students about the impact of the course. “For some students, the AVID family is the only family they have and the reason why they believe in themselves,” she noted.

At every level, AVID introduces students to strategies that build strong academic foundations. A key learning tool used is WICOR, which focuses on developing writing, inquiry, collaborative, organizational, and reading skills. In elementary schools, AVID helps students establish early habits for success that prepare them to overcome challenges they will encounter in higher grade levels.

“At our five AVID elementary schools, they are working on the foundations of organization, notetaking, communication skills, and collaboration skills.”  said Dr. Fox. “Just exposing them, building their understanding and their confidence, sets them up for middle school where they start the elective.”

By middle and high school, AVID shifts its focus to career and college readiness. Students participate in college tours, Socratic seminars, Cornell note-taking, and collaborative tutorials using Tutorial Request Forms (TRF) and work through their academic challenges. Students are also encouraged to join AP, IB, honors, or Dual Enrollment courses, knowing they have a dedicated support system of peers and teachers.

“Without AVID I don’t think I would have believed in myself enough to take AP courses—like AP World, where I ended up getting a 4 on the exam,” said Brian Garcia an AVID student at Riverwood International Charter School who has been in the program for five years.

The impact of the AVID program is visible through several honors. Creekside High School earned “Top AVID Distinction,” becoming an AVID demonstration school and spotlighting both the students' academic growth and the program’s effectiveness. Riverwood International Charter School was also recently honored for its 10 years of AVID, showcasing how the program has grown alongside its students.

“After being a part of AVID for 12 years, I’ve learned that AVID isn’t just a program — it’s a family.” said AVID teacher Buck Jenkins. “Watching them grow together reminds me that success is never a solo journey and that given the right tools and support all students can accomplish their goals.”

Across classrooms, AVID students are discovering their potential and the possibilities ahead. The program welcomes students with open arms, inspiring curiosity, hard work, and self-belief. As AVID continues to expand into numerous Fulton County schools, so does the sense of community—the AVID family that supports students every step of the way.

Article written by Odalys Rodriguez Romero, a Riverwood High School junior who served as a student intern with the Fulton County Schools Communications Division during the fall semester of 2025.