Parents: Does anyone have kids in the AVID program? What are the

@HardWorkPaysOff : Thanks for the insight. When I started this thread, I had no idea what to expect. I was being told by elementary school administrators that it was for struggling students who were at high risk of not attending college, which is the polar opposite of my daughter. But, I was hearing from parents of current AVID students that the administrators were incorrect and it was a program to teach skills for academic acceleration. My daughter is now in her second year in AVID and absolutely loves it. Initially, she didn't want to take it because she thought it would be an excruciatingly boring and tedious class. That misconception quickly changed. Unfortunately, the elementary administrators are off base with their understanding of this program, at least from our experience at Atascocita Middle School. I highly recommend AVID for all students.

Hi, I'm new to the board and was hoping to get some advice on AVID. I need to decide if I want my soon to be 6th grader to continue playing cello in orchestra or take AVID. Personally, I would prefer she continue in orchestra and take AVID in maybe 8th grade but she is adamant she wants to take AVID. I think she was sold on the idea of AVID because you get "chosen" to be in the program. My fear is that she will be bored all year and miss out on music. She already has good study habits and an overly organized child. Any suggestions or additional pros and cons I'm missing??

@Akapaupau : Contact the 6th grade counselor and see if there's a possibility for your daughter to take both classes. The worst that can happen is they say no, then you're in the same predicament as now. My daughter isn't in a music class, so I don't feel qualified to answer which class is better. If my child truly had a passion for playing an instrument, I'd go with orchestra.

@Akapaupau : As far as AVID being boring, my kid hasn't found it the least bit boring. She really really likes it. I am going to brag on her a bit...she is a high achiever, makes excellent grades, is very organized, self-motivated, and is extremely self-disciplined. She was all of these things prior to going into AVID, but I believe the program has helped her excel through the next level of academic preparedness required for middle school.

They can do both. One of mine did band and AVID.

@Akapaupau : Taught in the district for years; AVID is a great program. Students took both electives and those kids a lot of my most successful students stuck with AVID through their senior year. Really provided great scholarship opportunities and helped them apply for colleges and grants

@Sammee : Already did. Was told she can't do both as a 6th grader but can take a 0 period beginning in 7th grade if she wants to participate in both Orchestra and AVID.

@Sammee : I appreciate your input and sharing your daughter's own experience with the program. 🙏🏼

@Akapaupau : Mine MS loved Avid. It wasn't boring. Also, made some great friends in there. They can also use that class/classmates to help them if they have a problem.

@Akapaupau : Is she taking PE?

Mine did AVID and band in 6th, but didn't do PE or athletics. So he then had to take PE in 7th & 8th for the full 2 years.

@Floyd : Interesting. I like that option better. My daughter already does cheer and gymnastics outside of school so she'll get her exercise there if that's an option. Thank you!

@Akapaupau : Humble ISD does have a PE waiver program when students participate in off-campus sports, then they don't have to take it during school. The district site should have the details, but I recall that they have to meet an hour per day Monday-Friday only...I could be wrong or it could have changed. Then she could take both orchestra and AVID.

Both of my daughters have been in the AVID program since 6th grade through AMS. My oldest did choir and AVID in 6th grade and then did athletics 7th & 8th grade. My youngest is still at AMS and did Band and AVID in 6th grade and did Dance for PE 7th and will for 8th as well. They tried to give me a hard time but ultimately went ahead and let us do things this way. Especially if your child wants to participate in athletics since that is only available 7th and 8th grade. Both of my daughters love AVID and we feel it has been very good for them both. They both enjoy the different projects they do to help look into career choices and colleges. My oldest is at AHS and this year got an extra credit for a class she didn't (and won't be taking) because she learned the material through AVID. She also said she will be able to letter with AVID.

@tori6749 : Which class is that?