Eastmont Middle School recently earned a prestigious distinction that sets it apart from about 950 other Utah middle schools or junior highs.

The Patriots recently were named an AVID National Demonstration School, which signifies the school’s excellence in using the Advancement Via Individual Determination system to help students achieve their potential. This recognition comes after a comprehensive two-year process involving multiple classroom observations and extensive documentation.

“This honor is a testament to the dedication of our staff and students, to their dedication and hard work; this is six years in the making,” Principal Stacy Kurtzhals said. “We are the only AVID National Demonstration School in Utah and it’s the best thing that I’ve ever seen for kids. We’ve seen our kids be able to do more rigorous academics. It’s good for
every kid.”

After a panel discussion with students, parents and teachers sharing the impact of AVID, the Patriots celebrated the national recognition with a banner unveiling surrounded by confetti. The celebration culminated with a dance party.

With this honor, Eastmont Middle School will now serve as a model for other schools, showcasing its AVID strategies for others to observe and adopt. The school will need to recertify its AVID status every three years to maintain this esteemed
designation.

Of the 115,000 schools nationwide, 6,000 are AVID-certified, but only 170 hold the title of AVID National Demonstration School. 

While AVID was introduced in Canyons School District 16 years ago, Eastmont, Mt. Jordan Middle, Jordan High, Glacier Hills, and Sandy Elementary are the only schools in the District to fully implement the program. Kurtzhals believes all schools would benefit from incorporating AVID.

“AVID is in the forefront of every decision we make. Everything we do in our school; we focus through the lens of AVID. When there are implementations from the (school) District on different things, we see how AVID intertwines with it before we implement those things in our building,” she said. 

While AVID is often associated with helping underserved or first-generation college-bound students, Kurtzhals emphasized that its strategies benefit all students by creating a culture of learning, equity and opportunity.

“AVID is how you teach students to use those skills within any curriculum they are already using. We have structures that are used in our classrooms every day. We’re making sure we use the elements of WICKR, which is writing to learn, inquiry skills, collaboration skills, organization skills and reading to learn skills,” she said.

These AVID strategies are applied across all grade levels and subjects, resulting in a unified, schoolwide approach to teaching and learning, Kurtzhals said.

Teachers across all disciplines are encouraged to integrate AVID methodologies—such as inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and critical thinking—into their instruction. This approach unifies the entire school community around shared educational goals, ensuring all students engage in consistent, growth-oriented practices, she said.

In addition to academic integration, AVID prepares students for success both in higher education and in career readiness. 

Kurtzhals said through the development of essential skills like time management, organization, and effective notetaking, AVID equips students with tools which are crucial not only for academic success, but also for professional life. 

Students also gain exposure to the college research and application process, as well as career exploration, which empowers them to set and pursue post-secondary goals with added confidence, she said.

As students transition from foundational skills to more rigorous academic challenges, AVID encourages them to push their limits at all academic levels, Kurtzhals said. 

“By enrolling in advanced courses such as honors, AP, or IB programs, students are pushed to reach their highest potential, with the necessary support provided to ensure their success,” she said.

With structured tutorials and peer mentoring, Eastmont students are deepening their understanding of challenging subjects, while simultaneously building confidence in their abilities to excel, Kurtzhals added. 

As AVID cultivates a culture of high expectations, all students are held to rigorous standards, but they also are provided with the tools and support necessary to meet those standards. This culture encourages students to set ambitious goals for themselves, and it instills the perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and achieve those goals, she said.

“What it does is create the culture across the school of higher expectations. Our students are achieving at higher levels because we’re using these deeper levels of thinking with them,” Kurtzhals said. “As students rise to these expectations, they develop a growth mindset that will serve them throughout their lives.”

AVID places a strong emphasis on developing soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership, which are essential for success in both academic and real-world contexts, she said, adding students engage in collaborative learning activities and public speaking opportunities that both enhance their academic experience and prepares them to navigate future challenges.

Kurtzhals believes AVID’s cohesive approach helps close opportunity gaps by offering additional support to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

“By ensuring every student has access to the resources and strategies that promote success, AVID helps level the playing field and ensures all students have the chance to thrive. AVID prioritizes equity and academic rigor with ongoing support, and it can transform the lives of students and inspire positive change,” she said. “Being an AVID National Demonstration School is not just a recognition of academic excellence—it represents our dedication to empowering students to dream big, work hard and achieve greater success.” λ