PYLUSD Commemorates the 45th Anniversary of AVID

On September 12, 2025, educators across the nation celebrated AVID Day, commemorating the 45th anniversary of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Within the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD), students across all grade levels participate in AVID courses and schoolwide initiatives designed to enhance college and career readiness. This nationally recognized program places a particular emphasis on supporting students who may become the first in their family to attend college. Data consistently indicate that PYLUSD students engaged in AVID instructional and organizational strategies graduate and meet college-preparedness benchmarks at higher rates than their peers.

PYLUSD has hosted AVID programs since 1997 and is home to two National Demonstration Schools—Kraemer Middle School and Valencia High School—recognized for exemplary implementation of AVID methodologies. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, all PYLUSD comprehensive school sites will integrate AVID strategies schoolwide to further advance student achievement. This expansion underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to equitable access to rigorous academic opportunities and postsecondary preparation.

Dr. Will Gray, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness, emphasized the program’s holistic approach, “Being mindful of the needs of all of our students and providing our educators the tools they need to support achievement across all content areas is vital for postsecondary success. AVID is more than a class or a list of teaching techniques; it is a program with a holistic approach to closing opportunity gaps. I look forward to seeing the continued benefits of this work for our district as we expand it to more of our sites.”

Through the strategic implementation of AVID, PYLUSD continues to strengthen its culture of excellence, ensuring that every student is empowered to graduate prepared for college, career, and life beyond high school.