Signing up little one for 6th grade electives and have looked into the AVID program. A bit unclear about what this program is and who it's targeted to (i.e. who is and isn't going to benefit from this program)

Any parents/teachers here who have experience with this at Cypress Grove who can provide insight?

Have heard:

"It's amazing and you get lots of good study skills, visit college campuses, etc. to get you ready for college."

All the way to:

"It's not that great for the average student who does well in school - it is more/mostly targeted toward kids who would be first generation college and might have below-average socio-economic conditions"

Any experience/thoughts greatly appreciated.

For reference: student is an A/B student, parents graduated college, she will attend college.

My daughter was an AVID tutor while in college. My impression is the second.

pass on avid

Primarily it is for the latter group of students.

from what i understand, it's for kids that have the potential to be good college kids, but don't have the structure, skills or support needed to get there. AVID teaches them study and organizational skills, takes field trips to universities, attend guest lectures at the bush school/rudder, etc.

My sister teaches Avid in a large city. The majority of her students are the first in their family to go to college. Many do not know how to address envelopes or write checks. But it seems the majority have life experience beyond their years.

It may not be the same in CS. But it's a great program for some.

Several of my Girl Scouts have done Avid in intermediate and middle and it seems to be helpful and have some good information for those ages. One did it her Freshman year of high school and it wasn't useful.

ETA: Both of the girls who did it when they were younger did not have a mom who had gone to college. The high schooler's parents both have masters degrees so it probably wasn't appropriate anyway.

If you're looking for college preparation at this age and seeking an alternative, I suggest you check out my services. We start working with clients as young as 7th graders, and we provide both consulting and Duke Tip preparation.

Avant Garde - College Prep Services (Consulting)
[url=http://www.avantgardeprep.com/collegeprepconsulting][/url]

My daughter does Avid, (she enjoys the class) this is her first year to do it and she will do it next year in 8th grade. Myself and her mother graduated from college, I agree and disagree about it's geared primarily towards kids with socioeconomic backgrounds. My daughter is dyslexic, and ADHD so for her personally it's been great, it helps with different organization tools, getting yourself prepared for tests, homework etc. They do go to college field trips and listen to guest speakers.

Opinions are pretty much spot on here. The counselor or AP usually make the decision (admission) for AVID. Most students in the program are 1st generation college bound, but not all. As stated, it is a skills/success class with a focus on higher education.

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know...thats why college prep programs like Robb's (above) have a positive impact on their clients. College admissions are hard to navigate these days so seeking help with the process if you are unsure is a smart decision - especially if you are headed Eastcoast or small (high-end) private school option. AVID is the same way with your public school students...if your endgame is college, then here are the middle and high school (academic) skills needed to take you to the next level.