(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 23, 2025) — El Paso ISD is proud to announce the expansion of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a nationally recognized program that promotes college and career readiness through academic support, skill-building, and leadership development.
After launching AVID at Charles and Guillen Middle Schools this school year, the district has seen promising results that highlight the program’s positive impact. Building on that success, AVID will now be offered at Charles Q. Murphree PK-8, Don Haskins PK-8, and Richardson Middle School in the 2025–26 school year. El Paso ISD plans to roll out AVID to three additional middle and PK-8 campuses each year, with a long-term goal of implementation across all such campuses.
AVID’s student-centered approach aligns with El Paso ISD’s Strategic Blueprint, which champions the whole-child approach—ensuring students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and academically challenged. Through AVID, students will benefit from a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and instruction that develops critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
“At El Paso ISD we continually evaluate and evolve our programs to ensure we are meeting the needs of every learner,” said Superintendent Diana Sayavedra. “AVID supports our mission to inspire and empower students by equipping them with the tools and confidence to thrive in school, in their communities, and in their future careers.”
The decision to adopt AVID was made after thoughtful consideration and research into best practices for supporting academic achievement and personal growth. In districts across the nation, AVID has been linked to higher graduation rates, improved academic performance, increased college acceptance, and greater scholarship attainment.
Research positively reflects AVID’s effectiveness, with nationwide participants showing a 20% higher rate of four-year college enrollment, and 78% of AVID students in Texas applying to a four-year college, with a 92% acceptance rate. Additionally, the average GPA for high school Texas seniors in the program stood at an impressive 3.5.
As the district evaluates its programs to ensure students have the best opportunities for success, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme will be sunsetted due to limited enrollment and impact.
“At its heart, AVID builds a culture of high expectations and personalization,” Sayavedra added. “It empowers students to see what’s possible—and gives them the support to achieve it.”
El Paso ISD is grateful to its dedicated educators, AVID coordinators, and community partners for supporting this new chapter in the district’s journey toward educational excellence. Together, we remain committed to honoring diversity of thought, building community, and fostering high achievement for all.