Any opinions/feedback on the AVID program in schools?

[woodsprite]

I'm 'googling', but thought I'd like some real parent feedback rather than reading their canned text on websites.

It stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program. My 6th grade son was told he was nominated today. I don't know a lot about it and am trying to find out if this is a good thing or not-so-good thing. He said he was told it's an honor, and it sounds like that from much of what I'm reading. Middle schoolers are enrolled in the toughest courses in their school and have to take an AVID class daily which teaches organization, time management, critical thinking and writing for AP and College-bound students.

He seems like the classes he's taking have very light homework. I ask all the time and he says it's done or he has none. I log in to check his grades and he's scoring all A's and B's. His honors math is his lowest grade due to a very heavily weighted test which he scored a 45 on. It brought down 10 100's and a 90 to a 72. The only homework I have a problem getting him to do (and he has every night) is violin.

Are any of you familiar with the program? They said he needs to pass an interview first. What I'm seeing though is that it's kind of like college prep for middle school aged kids. I just don't want to put too much pressure on him.