Vilseck High School Strengthens Student Success Through AVID Program

Vilseck High School has earned the prestigious AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction recognition, joining three other DoDEA Europe schools to receive the honor this year. The recognition underscores the school’s commitment to implementing the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program’s instructional best practices across all content areas and grade levels.

The AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction designation, awarded to only 6% of secondary schools in the AVID system, highlights Vilseck High School's dedication to promoting academic rigor, college readiness, and student success.

Vilseck High School, which has participated in AVID since 1990, serves approximately 13% of its students through the program. The school has had a dedicated AVID coordinator since 2017. David Nichols, the AVID coordinator and teacher, is instrumental in helping students develop key skills such as organization, time management, note-taking, and summarization. His AVID skills and strategy course prepares students for rigorous coursework, including inquiry-based learning strategies and effective ways to meet deadlines.

Nadja Evans, a teacher at Vilseck, emphasized that the program not only helps students develop essential skills but also places them in more challenging courses. Quintin Davis, principal of Vilseck High School, praised the school's commitment to the AVID approach. “This recognition as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, and students,” Davis said. “Our school community has embraced the AVID approach, creating a culture of high expectations and support for all students.”

Ebony Luper, AVID ISS Instructional Support Specialist, also expressed her pride in the school's achievement. “Vilseck’s commitment to AVID is evident in the daily efforts of students and staff. This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative work of everyone involved, from our AVID teachers to our students who embrace the challenges and thrive in an environment of high expectations,” Luper said.

Vilseck High School is one of four DoDEA Europe schools to earn the AVID distinction, along with Kaiserslautern Middle School, Rota Middle High School, and Spangdahlem Middle School. The AVID program has been a vital part of DoDEA Europe schools’ educational strategy, providing students with the academic skills, strategies, and support necessary to succeed in their studies and beyond.

The AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction designation is based on performance in the Secondary Coaching and Certification Instrument (CCI), which evaluates schools across four domains: instruction, systems, leadership, and culture. To earn the recognition, schools must meet rigorous benchmarks in all areas and demonstrate key metrics in academic support structures and student performance.