Fairmont Junior High Hosts AVID Showcase, Preparing for National Revalidation

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Fairmont Junior High School welcomed educators and visitors for an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Showcase, offering a firsthand look at how the program empowers students to succeed. Guests included representatives from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in Ohio, staff members from the Kuna School District and other districts, as well as Boise School District’s AVID elementary staff.

What is AVID?

AVID is a structured, research-based College and Career Readiness System established over 40 years ago in San Diego, California. It is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor, impacting over 2 million students in more than 8,000 schools. The Boise School District first implemented AVID at Fairmont Junior High in 2006. Since then, the AVID system has expanded to all 13 secondary sites and two elementary sites in the district.

AVID Showcase Highlights

The event served as a valuable opportunity for Fairmont to demonstrate its AVID implementation as the school prepares to revalidate its national AVID Demonstration School status next year. Through interactive classroom visits, attendees observed AVID students engaged in collaborative learning activities guided by AVID-trained tutors and teachers. Visitors saw firsthand how students develop critical thinking, organization, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.

AVID at the Elementary and Secondary Levels

What is AVID Elementary?

AVID Elementary introduces young students to the academic habits necessary for success in middle school, high school, and beyond. Students develop organization, study habits, communication, and self-advocacy skills in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. The program fosters a strong college-going culture where students are encouraged to think about future career and education goals, helping to close the opportunity gap before it begins.

Who are AVID Elective Students?

At the secondary level, AVID Elective students are those who aim to prepare for college eligibility and success beyond high school. These students demonstrate a strong work ethic, collaborate with peers, and take on rigorous coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Enrollment classes. AVID Elective students typically maintain a GPA between 2.0 and 4.0 and exhibit leadership potential and determination.

What is the AVID Elective?

The AVID Elective class supports students as they challenge themselves academically. It enhances their skills in note-taking, time management, organization, writing, and research while immersing them in a college-going culture. The class also includes structured tutorials facilitated by college students, offering additional academic support. Students gain exposure to college and career opportunities through field trips, guest speakers, and access to information on scholarships and admission requirements.

Student Success Stories

In addition to classroom observations, video interviews with AVID students highlighted the program’s profound impact. Students shared personal success stories, explaining how AVID has helped them set goals, improve study habits, and develop confidence in their academic abilities. Their testimonials reinforced the program’s effectiveness in fostering a college-ready mindset and closing achievement gaps.

Fairmont’s AVID Showcase not only reinforced the school’s commitment to academic excellence but also provided a valuable practice run for the upcoming national revalidation process. The event was a testament to the dedication of AVID educators and students who continue to uphold the program’s rigorous standards, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need to thrive.

As Fairmont looks ahead to its revalidation year, the success of this showcase underscores the school’s readiness to maintain its status as an AVID National Demonstration School—serving as a model for other institutions aiming to implement the program’s transformative strategies.

Watch the following video to learn more or visit our AVID program website.