The main objectives of the Prince Edward County Public Schools are to increase student achievement and to prepare students to be competitive in the global economy.  With this in mind, the school division will focus on strengthening college preparation for the middle and high schools through the implementation of the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination).

AVID is an international grades 4 – 12 college readiness system that helps students go to college.  AVID has 27 years of proven success.  Data provided to us by the organization show that 97% of AVID students are accepted to attend college.  Moreover, the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research has shown that the vast majority of AVID graduates are prepared to enter a four-year college or university at a rate more than double the national rate (2005).

The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, most especially the least served students who are in the middle:

• - will succeed in rigorous curriculum,

• - will complete a rigorous college preparatory path,

• - will enter mainstream activities of the school,

• - will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and

• - will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

Prince Edward County Public Schools will implement AVID in grades 7 through 10 for the 2008-2009 school year.  The program is available to students as an elective to their standard academic schedules.  Teachers who participate will receive training throughout the school year.  Students who participate in the program will receive the support of a college tutor and will participate in a summer institute.