Frisco ISD will expand its academic programming over the next few years with the implementation of several new programs.

On Monday night, the Frisco ISD board of trustees approved implementing new programs Advance Via Individual Determination, or AVID, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Primary Years Programme and Project Lead The Way Launch.

"In Frisco ISD we want to create student choice and student opportunity," said Katie Kordel, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. "We want to continue to provide programming as our district continues to grow in diversity as students and their families join us from other states and around the world."

The AVID program will be made available to seventh graders at Hunt and Staley middle schools next year. FISD also plans to expand the program to Frisco High School as participating students go into high school.

AVID is an elective course that is designed to provide academic, social and emotional support to students as they take rigorous coursework. These students will typically be the first ones in their families to go to college and come from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme will be implemented at Frisco High School and the Primary Years Programme at Bright Elementary School.

The IB Programme is an academically challenging academic program that prepares students for success at the university level and in life beyond. In this program, students choose courses from each of the five core subjects, including a language other than English. Students who earn an IB Diploma can earn college credit.

The PYP is a curriculum framework for elementary students that is founded on a philosophy that recognizes a child’s natural curiosity, critical thinking and communication. This framework is designed for all types of learners.

Project Lead The Way Launch program will also be implemented at Bright Elementary School. 

This program a pre-career and technical education program focused on science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.