In 1987, Mary Catherine Swanson, a teacher, began the AVID program as an academic elective course to help underserved and underachieving students have the opportunity to participate in rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) and to experience the possibility of achieving college success.  The AVID program is in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and countries across the world.  AVID emphasizes access, rigor, high performance standards, and excellence.


AVID History in BCPS

In 2002, Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston launched the AVID initiative; it provided the structure, rigor, and academic support to improve achievement.  Under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Dezmon and Mrs. Shirley Page (Office of Equity and Assurance), the AVID Pilot program began in six schools:  Dundalk, Kenwood, Milford Mill Academy, Owings Mills, Parkville, and Woodlawn High Schools.  Today, the AVID program is implemented in Catonsville, Chesapeake, Dulaney, Franklin, Hereford, Lansdowne, Loch Raven, New Town, Overlea, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson, and Western High Schools. In 2008-2009, AVID program implementation began at Dundalk, Lansdowne, SW Academy, and Woodlawn Middle Schools. In 2009-2010, AVID program implementation began at Deep Creek, Golden Ring, Holabird, and Old Court Middle Schools.