
What is AVID?
AVID is an international nonprofit education program that works towards helping students develop skills to be successful in college and beyond. Students in AVID can think critically and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them.
The mission of AVID is “to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.”
There are a variety of AVID courses offered at Lake Washington High School. Students will be placed based on grade level, experience, and their needs. Student candidates will meet with an AVID teacher to help determine what class they would benefit from most.
AVID Club
AVID Club is a student-led organization open to all LWHS students. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for students to engage in AVID activities beyond the regular school day. Because many students are unable to fit the AVID elective into their schedules, AVID Club offers access to the valuable skills and strategies the program provides. The club focuses on developing skills that support students’ long-term success, particularly as they prepare for post–high school pathways. These skills include writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading, and building positive relationships.
AVID Skills
In AVID, students will work on developing a variety of essential skills such as
- Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR)
- Note Taking Strategies
- Study Skills
- Building college, career, and future readiness
AVID Student Profile
Students who are the best fit for AVID are those who
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Have good attendance
- Are engaged in their class
- Are motivated to learn new skills
Impact of AVID
9 out of 10 AVID Seniors are college and career ready!

AVID Recommendation Form
If you or someone you know would be a good fit for AVID or are interested in learning more, please take a moment to fill out this form: AVID Recommendation Form – Fill out form.
AVID Team
For questions about AVID or for more information, email one of the AVID Team Members:
- Christine Bell- Principal
- Donell McNeal - AVID Administrator
- Alisa Kathol - AVID Elective Teacher and Site Team Coordinator
- Hillary Minne - AVID Elective Teacher
- Michelle Ruan – AVID Elective ML Teacher
- Kevin Archard - AVID Elective Teacher
- Danielle Barber – AVID Elective Teacher
AVID Resources
"AVID for me has impacted my way of critical thinking, not just academically but also in social situations. The community in the classrooms helped me understand that sometimes I just needed to not be so hard on myself because I wasn’t getting a question right or understanding it like other kids. Everyone is also struggling even if they didn’t show it as much as I did in the classroom." – Elena (LWHS AVID Graduate, Class of 2025)
"AVID has been, by far, the most impactful class I have ever taken. AVID showed me the importance of asking basic questions to actually understand what I’m working on, and not just regurgitate facts about it. The quality teaching and helpful class environment helped me branch out more and helped me improve significantly in all my other classes, and in my life outside of school." – Max (LWHS AVID Graduate, Class of 2022)
