Mountain View School District has expanded its AVID program across all campuses, aiming to strengthen college and career readiness for students beginning in elementary school.
District officials announced the initiative following professional training completed in July 2025, when educators from all eight TK–8 schools attended the AVID Summer Institute. The training focused on building student skills in organization, critical thinking, collaboration, and academic ownership.
District leaders say the expansion reflects a long-term effort to prepare students for future academic and workforce success while fostering confidence and a sense of belonging.
Early Exposure Builds Career Awareness
The district’s AVID expansion introduces career exploration at an earlier stage, with elementary students engaging in real-world learning experiences tied to future professions.
At Maxson Elementary School in El Monte, sixth-grade students participate in a monthly speaker series featuring professionals from a range of careers. Speakers have included a military veteran, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, behavioral specialists, and business owners.
Students say the program helps them understand different career paths and the value of perseverance. Sixth-grader Gael Diaz described the experience as a way to learn from others’ challenges and successes, while fellow student YingYin Gong said the series has broadened her interest in potential careers, including medicine.
The program also includes a financial literacy component. Students complete mock job applications, earn simulated paychecks, and practice budgeting by managing expenses and paying bills.
Hands-On Learning Through Apprenticeships
At Baker Elementary School, AVID principles guide a sixth-grade student apprenticeship program that places participants in structured campus roles.
Students serve as classroom assistants, office aides, library helpers, and event planners. The program requires students to apply, interview, and meet job expectations, helping them build communication, organization, and responsibility.
District staff say the initiative supports both academic growth and workplace readiness while contributing to a positive school environment.
Middle School Programs Reinforce Skills
AVID continues in middle school through elective courses that deepen academic and organizational skills. At Monte Vista Middle School, students engage in structured group work, inquiry-based learning, and note-taking strategies designed to improve comprehension across subjects.
Teacher Bernadette Dincin, who has implemented AVID strategies for more than a decade, said students learn to identify key concepts, develop questions, and organize information effectively using tools such as Cornell Notes.
Students also participate in collaborative study groups, where peers guide each other through problem-solving. Eighth-grade student Lupe said the approach helps students understand material independently while building confidence.
Districtwide Impact And Future Goals
District officials say AVID also includes college visits and exposure to higher education environments, helping students see college as an attainable goal.
The program is designed to support all students, including those who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education. By integrating AVID strategies across grade levels, the district aims to create a consistent framework that prepares students for long-term success.
Mountain View School District leaders say the expanded AVID initiative strengthens connections between classroom learning and future opportunities, reinforcing a college- and career-ready culture across El Monte schools.
