Alamitos Intermediate School Named AVID National Demonstration School

Alamitos Celebrates Its AVID National Demonstration Honor

Garden Grove Unified School District’s Alamitos Intermediate School was named an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) National Demonstration School last week. Less than 200 schools across the nation and a select few in Orange County earn the prestigious designation, which signifies exemplary school-wide implementation of AVID’s proven college readiness systems and strategies. 

Alamitos Intermediate is GGUSD’s third AVID National Demonstration School, making GGUSD the first and only district in California to have three National Demonstration Schools.  Doig Intermediate School and Santiago High School also hold the distinction, each having passed a rigorous validation process ensuring AVID strategies are implemented at the highest level across all classrooms. 

Last week, officials from the AVID Center and Alamitos Principal Christine Pijl made the announcement to a packed multipurpose room of excited students and staff.  Alamitos Intermediate is only the ninth AVID National Demonstration School in Orange County.

Officials commended Alamitos for being a model campus for the life-changing impact AVID can have for students when implemented at the highest level. Additionally, officials called the supportive environment provided to students and the professional learning support for teachers among the best they have witnesses during their validation visits. 

“We are so proud of the team at Alamitos for the hard work invested in earning this recognition as national leaders in AVID teaching strategies,” said Teri Rocco, board of education trustee. “The work happening at Alamitos is resulting in college-ready and future-ready students.” 

AVID is offered at the district’s seven high schools and ten intermediate schools.  This year, GGUSD also launched AVID at several elementary schools.