Gateway High School

Logo of AVID with stylized human figure and graduation cap inside a circle to the left of the text.

AVID is a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap.

AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation.

Not only are students enrolled in their school's toughest classes, but also in the AVID elective. For one period a day, they learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college seem attainable. Their self-images improve, and they become academically successful leaders and role models for other students.

For more information about the AVID program, please visit the AVID website. If you wish to participate in AVID, please contact your guidance counselor.

AVID Coordinator: Mrs. MaryLou Bundoc
AVID Elective Teacher: Mr. Matt Zbikowski

AVID Classes Offered

AVID at Gateway High School is a college readiness program designed to support students who demonstrate academic potential and a desire to succeed. Through the AVID elective class, students develop essential skills such as organization, time management, note-taking, and collaborative learning. The program utilizes WICOR strategies—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—to enhance student performance across all subjects. AVID also offers opportunities for college visits, career exploration, and personalized academic support, fostering a community where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and prepare for success beyond high school.

AVID 1 is a foundational college readiness elective course designed for ninth-grade students. The course emphasizes the development of essential academic skills, including writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR), to support students' academic growth. Students engage in activities that promote goal setting, time management, and effective study habits, preparing them for the challenges of high school and beyond. Additionally, AVID 1 provides opportunities for students to explore college and career options, fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal and academic success.
AVID 2 is a year-long elective course designed for 10th-grade students, building upon the foundational skills developed in AVID 1. The course focuses on refining academic strategies such as writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR) to support students' academic growth. Students engage in activities that promote goal setting, time management, and effective study habits, preparing them for the challenges of high school and beyond. Additionally, AVID 2 provides opportunities for students to explore college and career options, fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal and academic success.
AVID 3 is an elective course designed for 11th-grade students that builds on skills learned in previous AVID levels. The course continues to develop advanced academic strategies, including critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative learning. Students engage in rigorous coursework while preparing for college entrance exams and college-level expectations. AVID 3 also offers guidance on college applications, financial aid, and career planning to support students' transition beyond high school.
AVID 4 is a senior-level elective course designed to prepare students for a successful transition to college and careers. The course emphasizes advanced academic skills, self-advocacy, and leadership development. Students receive guidance on completing college applications, financial aid forms, and scholarship searches. AVID 4 also focuses on strengthening study habits, time management, and goal setting to support lifelong success.