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Kissimmee Today
By the People, for the People
Tohopekaliga High Earns National AVID Distinction
Kissimmee school joins elite group of Florida AVID Demonstration Schools
Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:30am
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Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, Florida has achieved national recognition as an AVID Demonstration School, joining an elite group of just 24 schools in the state to earn this distinction. The school's turnaround over the past five years, improving from a 'D' to an 'A' grade, was driven by consistent implementation of AVID strategies, rigorous instruction, strong student-staff relationships, and a culture of belief in student success.
Why it matters
The AVID Demonstration School designation is a prestigious honor that recognizes Tohopekaliga High's commitment to college and career readiness for all students through the AVID program. As one of only four AVID Demonstration Schools in Osceola County, Tohopekaliga serves as a model for other schools looking to integrate AVID strategies schoolwide and foster a strong college-going culture.
The details
To earn the national AVID Demonstration School designation, Tohopekaliga High had to prove that AVID is fully integrated across the entire school, not just in one elective class. An out-of-state validator made multiple visits to determine that AVID strategies are consistently implemented, students are actively engaged, academic performance is improving, and there is a strong college-going culture at the school.
- Over the past 5 years, Tohopekaliga High has improved from a 'D' to an 'A' school grade.
- For 3 consecutive years, Tohopekaliga has had the highest number of students in the district earning their Associate of Arts degree at graduation, including 29 graduates in 2025.
The players
Tohopekaliga High School
A public high school located in Kissimmee, Florida that has achieved national recognition as an AVID Demonstration School, one of only 24 in the state.
George Arscott
The principal of Tohopekaliga High School who has overseen the school's turnaround and integration of AVID strategies schoolwide.
Lauren Osborne
The AVID Administrator at Tohopekaliga High School who has helped prioritize relationships, collaboration, and systems to support student and staff success.
Amanda Bagnasco
The AVID Coordinator at Tohopekaliga High School who has worked alongside the AVID Administrator to implement the AVID program schoolwide.
What they’re saying
“Through ongoing learning and continuous improvement, we keep our Tiger culture focused on college and career readiness for all.”
— George Arscott, Principal, Tohopekaliga High School
“The bottom line is that students feel confident because they are prepared, supported, and believed in. Consistency, relationships, and high expectations made the difference.”
— George Arscott, Principal, Tohopekaliga High School
What’s next
Tohopekaliga High School plans to continue sustaining its AVID program, refining its practices, and ensuring the school's 'Tiger culture' of college and career readiness continues to grow stronger for every student.
The takeaway
Tohopekaliga High's achievement as an AVID Demonstration School demonstrates how a comprehensive, schoolwide commitment to the AVID program can drive dramatic academic improvements and foster a strong college-going culture, even in a district with multiple AVID schools.
