Running Start Information Event

On March 25, 2025, the Cultural and Family Partnerships team hosted "Running Start Event" event for 11th-12th graders. The purpose of this information night is to provide families with a general overview of the Running Start program so they can make informed decisions as they support and guide their high school student.

Presentation Transcripts

English - Running Start

Running Start Information Event

Click here for PPT link

Presented by – Equity and Family Partnership Department and Student Intervention - Counseling Department

What is Running Start?

WA state program that allows students to attend college-level classes at a local college – tuition free.
Eligibility begins the summer after 10th grade.
Student earns grades/credits at both high school & college (Dual Credit).
Your student continues to be an ISD student.
Student can continue to participate in HS sports, clubs, activities, events.
Students access HS counselors (academic, social emotional, and/or career/college support).

College Class Schedule

Students can take either a full-time or part-time schedule.
Full time schedule means students take three 5-credit college classes each quarter (15 college credits = 3 HS credits).
Part-time schedule – some high school classes and some Running Start classes.
Three quarters per year.
- Fall quarter -- Late September to December
- Winter quarter – January to March
- Spring quarter – March to late June
Optional Summer quarter is shorter - 8 weeks in July and August

Running Start College Schedule

College classes start time can vary – as early at 6:30 am to nearly 10 pm
Classes maybe in person, online or hybrid
Class selection and class schedules may vary each quarter
Classes composed of people ages between 16-40+
No separate classes in for students in the Running Start program (high school students learn alongside adult students)
Student schedule – student choice (what works best for them), within limits of space availability.

When can a student begin running start?

Students can begin the summer after 10th grade, or later
Three quarters during school year, and optional summer quarter
Students can choose:
Attend just during school year (junior &/or senior)
Attend just during summer quarter (after 10th &/or 11th)
Attend both during the school year and in summer quarter
Students can participate in Running Start Program for up to 1.4 FTE (max of 21 credits per quarter, or 63 college credits per year)
Counselor can clarify credit rules and limits

Classes and Credits

Some classes in colleges meet every day
Some classes meet 2 or 3 times per week
Students can take any class offered college, prioritize a plan for meeting graduation requirements.
For some classes, students may need to meet prerequisites or score a certain level on the placement test to be eligible (see college course catalog, talk with school counselor)

A 5-credit college quarter class = 1.0 high school credit (like a full-year HS class).

A 3-credit college quarter class = 0.5 high school credit (like a semester class).

Colleges most ISD students attend for Running Start

Bellevue College
Central Washington University – Sammamish Campus
Renton Technical College
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Green River Community College
Other options may exist – talk to your school counselor

Cost of Running Start

Full-time Running Start program pays for up to 21 college credits per quarter. (15 credits is a full load. 21 credits is a very heavy schedule.)
The number of college credits available for part-time student will vary – consult with your school counselor.
Textbooks fees
Some classes have class fees – art supplies, automotive class at RTC
No transportation provided - (all students under age 18 can access free Orca (bus) pass)
Incidental costs – meals
Student can apply for financial aid at the college for cost of textbooks, fees, etc.

What Classes Can I Take?

Classes that are 100-level or higher – all are college-level classes.

English – begins with ENGL101, many composition and literature options available.
Social Studies – specific courses can meet World, Civics, US History, and NW Studies requirements. Several additional Social Science departments available (Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Political Science, etc.)
Math – college-level math is above Algebra 2.
Students need to complete Algebra 2 before taking math in Running Start.
Science – students need to be ready for college-level curriculum and pacing; there are many science departments, check for prerequisites.
Chemistry and Physics students may need to demonstrate a level of math proficiency.

Array of courses/departments/class availability depends on the college – check their course catalogs or ask your school counselor.

*School Counselors provide an equivalency sheet that explain which college courses will meet each high school graduation requirement. Not all colleges have an offering for every graduation requirement.

Balancing part-time Running Start schedule

College quarters do not align with high school semesters. Students need to make a year-long commitment (little flexibility to make big changes).
Each quarter, part-time Running Start students need to register college classes that do not conflict with their high school schedule. Requires flexibility, planning & timely action.
Students need to be mindful of travel time.
Students need to communicate with college professor and high school teacher in the event of a schedule conflict (should be very rare).

Why running start?

Some common reasons students consider doing Running Start...

Want faster paced, higher rigor college course &/or subjects not offered at HS
Want to save $$ and get ahead, earning college credit while in high school
Want a change of social environment, with more diverse adult community
Want a change in academic setting...
Take fewer classes at a time, with each class going into greater depth and ending sooner. College quarter: 15 credits is like 3 year-long HS classes in 11 weeks.
More scheduling options (early morning, late evening, hybrid and online)
Less visibility for others (parent/guardian/counselor) to monitor progress

Successful Students in Running Start are....

Organized – aware of deadlines for homework, class registration, tuition, etc.
Flexible – find and schedule classes based on what is needed to graduate, adjust plans when a certain class is full.
Committed to attending classes regularly and on time.
Disciplined and self-motivated, without family or HS intervention.
Independently responsible for their own schoolwork, grades, and progress.
Ready for working independently in an adult setting, with older peers, and with less teacher support.
Ready for transportation – drive self, take bus, carpool or family rides.

Students must be independent

Apply for program.
Initiate meeting with high school counselor to plan which classes to take.
Bring form to school counselor to sign each quarter – this pays tuition, cannot register without it.
Register for classes on time – find classes you want/need at times that work for your schedule.
Plan and be aware of important dates (start of quarter, enrollment deadlines, etc.)
Regularly READ email communication from the college and the high school.
Identify when they need supports from the college, and then use them.
Schedule to meet with high school counselor to each quarter to ensure they are on track to graduate.

Role of High School and School Counselor

School counselor specifies needed graduation requirements & which college classes meet them, and can offer suggestions about other college class options.
School counselor signs the enrollment (RSEVF) form each quarter (student must schedule appointment and bring form, then submit form to college).
High school pays tuition – student must submit signed RSEVF form for college to receive tuition.
- No Winter quarter form turned in = no Winter quarter tuition paid.
High School will add college grades to HS transcript, once college sends them.
- All RST grades received must be entered onto HS transcript – by state law.
School counselor does not have access to college at all. Can support student in completing their tasks, does not have any access or power to do it for them.

Role of Running Start College

Communicates with student only (not high school or families) regarding registration, deadlines, performance.
Running Start students are considered regular college students (no special treatment).
College does NOT share the following information with either school or parents:
- Attendance
- Grades in progress
- Student behavior, etc.
Colleges have support services – which are accessible to enrolled HS Running Start students.
College sends final grade at end of quarter to the high school.

Challenges and Surprises reported by Students

Fast-paced since one 5-credit class covers a whole year of HS curriculum
Classes have more homework/reading than HS
Colleges report that students are often reluctant to contact the college office for assistance
Students don't always realize they can meet with college advisor for guidance on college pathways and requirements
College on quarter system and high school on semester
Breaks and vacations (except Winter break in December) don't line up
Cannot drop out of a class and sign up for high school class easily

How can families monitor progress and grades?

You must ask your student to show you.
- Running Start classes not on high school Canvas
- Running Start attendance not on Family Access
School has no access to student grade until college sends the final grade.
- High School has no insight about student progress - only gets the final grade in the classes.
After each quarter, families can check Family Access to see final grades once they are posted (may take a few weeks to appear).
High School transcripts will include the final grades once posted.
Students are responsible for sharing progress and grades with families.

Students with IEPs or 504s

Students seeking accommodations must apply with the college – college determines supports on their own campus.
Contact college’s disability services office well in advance of any published deadlines to apply.
College may require documentation as a part of the application.
Students with an IEP: start by discussing Running Start with high school IEP team well in advance. IEP team can provide additional support and guidance.

Summer Running Start

Shorter quarter – 8 weeks instead of 11 weeks, 10 credits is a full load.
All 10th graders will qualify for up to 10 credits, consider starting with 5 credits (full year of college-level high school content in 8 weeks).
11th graders – many will qualify for up to 10 credits, but it depends.
Juniors who have not done Running Start this year will qualify for 10 credits.
Juniors in Running Start consult with counselor to see what funding remains.
12th graders.
Who are not eligible to graduate in June may qualify for summer Running Start – which could allow them tuition free option to graduate in August!

Next steps for summer of fall

Visit colleges' websites to learn about their info sessions, enrollment processes & timelines.
Visit Running Start page on Counseling website for more details about preparing to enroll, expectations, timelines.
Start enrollment process with College.
THEN, in late April/early May, schedule an appointment with counselor to sign form.
Turn form into College & register (mid-May to early June).

Student and family information session – Bellevue College

These information sessions are for students that are currently a sophomore or junior in high school and a parent/guardian. Running Start (RS) Information Session Schedule :: Running Start (bellevuecollege.edu)

Upcoming Saturday Dates:

March 29: 10am & 1pm – in person Session Signup
April 5: 10am – Teams (online) Join Here
April 19: 10am & 1pm – in person Session Signup
May 3: 9am & 1pm – in person Session Signup
May 17: 9am & 1pm – in person Session Signup
June 7: 10am – Teams (online) Join Here

Additional Resources

IHS
LHS
SHS
Running Start FAQs (OSPI)
Bellevue College
- Running Start, Course Catalog
CWU – Sammamish
- Running Start
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Running Start, Course Catalog
Renton Technical College
- Running Start, Course Catalog
Green River Community College
- Running Start, Course Catalog

Note: For high school students - select a full high school schedule of classes for next year during the course request process. Requests can be adjusted later, once you've successfully registered for Fall quarter.