By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD proudly announces that E.F. Green Junior School has been officially designated as an AVID National Demonstration School. This distinction places it among an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and college readiness.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally recognized program that equips students with the skills and strategies needed for success in higher education and beyond. As a National Demonstration School, E.F. Green will serve as a model campus, showcasing best practices in rigorous instruction, student-centered learning, and schoolwide college and career readiness. This recognition means that E.F. Green will welcome educators from across the country who want to observe and learn from its successful implementation of AVID strategies.

For many students, AVID is more than just a program—it’s a life-changing experience. Hunter Gonzales, an 8th-grade AVID Ambassador at E.F. Green, shared how the program transformed his academic journey.

"After I joined AVID, my grades skyrocketed. My mom was shocked. Since then, I made it a goal to be an AVID ambassador, and now I am so much more organized and have goals for my future," said Gonzales.

His story is just one example of how AVID empowers students by teaching them essential academic and organizational skills that set them up for long-term success. AVID students learn how to take charge of their education and future through strategies like focused note-taking, time management, and critical thinking structures.

At E.F. Green, the AVID philosophy is deeply embedded in the school's culture, ensuring every student receives the tools they need to succeed. Dr. Alicia Babin, principal of E.F. Green Junior School, emphasized the school's dedication to student achievement.

"We put a focus on each individual student, each class, each teacher. Everything matters here at E.F. Green. We are intentional to give our students the best possible education in every single classroom to ensure their future is bright," said Dr. Babin.

Only a select few AVID schools nationwide earn the prestigious AVID National Demonstration School designation. This exclusive honor requires a rigorous review by AVID Center officials, ensuring the school exemplifies AVID strategies at every level.

“This achievement is a testament to Green’s incredible teachers, students, and families who have embraced AVID as the foundation of academic success,” said Kendall David, Executive Director and AVID District Director. “We are honored to receive this national recognition and look forward to sharing our strategies and best practices with schools across the country.”

The success of AVID at E.F. Green would not be possible without strong leadership and a dedicated team of educators. Veronica Phillips, the campus AVID Coordinator, has been instrumental in shaping the program at Green and throughout the district.

With over a decade of experience implementing AVID in Goose Creek CISD, Phillips became the first AVID Coordinator at E.F. Green, where she has been a driving force behind the program’s growth and success. Through her leadership, students and teachers have embraced AVID strategies, creating a schoolwide culture of academic excellence, organization, and college readiness.

Her work has helped transform E.F. Green into a national model, reinforcing the power of AVID’s mission: to close achievement gaps and prepare students for success in high school, college, and careers.

“This designation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and leadership team,” said Dr. Randal O’Brien, Goose Creek CISD Superintendent. “E.F. Green has created a culture of academic excellence, high expectations, and student success. Being named an AVID National Demonstration School solidifies their place as a national leader in preparing students for college and beyond.”

By earning this distinction, E.F. Green Junior School has positioned itself as a leader in education, setting a high standard for what is possible when a school embraces a culture of high expectations, student support, and academic excellence.