Rialto's Curtis Elementary Becomes California's First, Nation's Second AVID Demonstration School

The school successfully navigated a rigorous multi-year validation process to earn the prestigious designation.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:05pm

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A bold, graphic illustration of school supplies like textbooks, pencils, and notebooks repeated in a grid pattern, conveying the academic rigor and student-focused approach of the AVID program at Curtis Elementary School.The vibrant, student-centered learning environment at Curtis Elementary serves as a national model for the AVID program's mission of college and career readiness.Rialto Today

Sam V. Curtis Elementary Literacy Academy in Rialto, California has been named the first AVID National Demonstration School in the state and only the second in the United States. The school underwent a demanding four-step validation process that included a final Demonstration Walkthrough by AVID Center officials, who praised the depth of learning and rigor they observed in classrooms.

Why it matters

The AVID program is designed to close the opportunity gap and prepare all students for college and career success. As a National Demonstration School, Curtis Elementary will now serve as a model for educators across the country who wish to see the best of AVID Elementary in action.

The details

Curtis Elementary successfully embedded the AVID framework, which focuses on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR), into every classroom to ensure students develop essential academic habits from an early age. The school's transformation is rooted in the legacy of AVID's founding in 1980 by educator Mary Catherine Swanson.

  • In 1980, educator Mary Catherine Swanson founded AVID at Clairemont High School in San Diego.
  • On April 9, 2026, AVID Center officials conducted the final Demonstration Walkthrough at Curtis Elementary.
  • Curtis Elementary will hold the AVID National Demonstration School designation through the 2029-2030 school year.

The players

Owen Ross

The principal of Curtis Elementary Literacy Academy.

Vanessa Roque

The assistant principal of Curtis Elementary Literacy Academy.

Dr. Alejandro Álvarez

The superintendent of the Rialto Unified School District.

Mary Catherine Swanson

The educator who founded the AVID program in 1980 at Clairemont High School in San Diego.

Terri Verhaegen

The Program Manager for AVID Center's Western Division.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very humbled. It's been a long time coming. The framework of the program is so impactful: for kids, for teachers, and for all of us. The impact on kids is tremendous.”

— Owen Ross, Principal, Curtis Elementary Literacy Academy

“What we saw in the classroom was amazing. The work that is done day in and day out is to be absolutely commended. What we saw on the panel was that students were internalizing those rigorous conversations without even thinking about it.”

— Terri Verhaegen, Program Manager, AVID Center's Western Division

“As a National Demonstration School, I join the Board of Education and the District in being extremely proud of Curtis Elementary School teachers, students, support staff, families, and the leadership team. Curtis will now serve as a model for educators across the country who wish to see the best of AVID Elementary in action.”

— Dr. Alejandro Álvarez, Superintendent, Rialto Unified School District

What’s next

Curtis Elementary will hold the AVID National Demonstration School designation through the 2029-2030 school year, when it can then reapply to maintain its status.

The takeaway

Curtis Elementary's transformation into California's first and the nation's second AVID National Demonstration School is a testament to the school's commitment to closing the opportunity gap and preparing all students for academic success. The school's adoption of the AVID framework serves as a model for other educators seeking to instill essential study skills and critical thinking in their students from an early age.