Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee has achieved national recognition as an AVID Demonstration School, joining an elite group of 24 schools in Florida—and only the fourth in Osceola County—to earn the distinction.
AVID—Advancement Via Individual Determination—is a college and career readiness program offered at most Osceola County schools, designed to help students develop study skills, organization, and academic confidence. While the program is widely available, only Poinciana High, St. Cloud High, Narcoossee Middle, and now Tohopekaliga High have achieved the Demonstration School designation in Osceola County.
To earn the national designation, THS had to prove that AVID is truly part of the whole school and not just one elective class, Tohopekaliga Principal George Arscott said. An out-of-state validator made several visits to determine that Tohopekaliga has integrated AVID strategies schoolwide, that students are actively engaged, that students are improving, and that there is a strong college-going culture at the school.
The school’s turnaround over the past five years illustrates that these accomplishments have in fact taken place. Tohopekaliga improved from a “D” to an “A” school, driven by consistent implementation of AVID strategies, rigorous and engaging instruction, strong relationships between students and staff, and a culture of belief in student success, Arscott said.
In addition to academic gains, the school also boasts the district’s highest number of students earning their Associate of Arts degree at graduation for three consecutive years, including 29 graduates earning their AA in 2025 alone.
Under the leadership of AVID Administrator Lauren Osborne and AVID Coordinator Amanda Bagnasco, Tohopekaliga prioritizes relationships, collaboration, and systems that help both students and staff succeed, Arscott said.
“Through ongoing learning and continuous improvement, we keep our Tiger culture focused on college and career readiness for all,” he added.
The bottom line, Arscott said, is that students feel confident because they are prepared, supported, and believed in. Consistency, relationships, and high expectations made the difference, he said.
“Moving forward, we are committed to sustaining this work, refining our practices, and ensuring that our Tiger culture continues to grow stronger for every student,” Arscott said.
