Running Start

There are many factors that contribute to a successful Running Start experience.  If you are thinking about Running Start, here are some things to ask yourself:

• Are you an independent student who is self-directed, driven and feel ready for college?
• Are Running Start college credits vs. AP college credits a better choice for you?
• Will you be comfortable leaving the high school community by doing full-time Running Start?
• Will you be able to easily navigate two school systems if you do part-time Running Start?
• Will the community college credits transfer to all 4-year colleges?
• Do you have transportation?  

Very important information for parents of a student considering Running Start:

Please be advised that the Running Start process is to be initiated and carried out by the student. This is because Running Start expectations are that the student is mature and responsible enough to navigate the system on their own.  Parents' primary involvement will usually be in the form of signature approval for various parts of the process. 

In addition, please note that part-time Running Start enrollment presents scheduling challenges due to the district’s move to a high school block schedule.

If you have looked through all of the information and made a family decision to pursue Running Start, follow these steps:

1. Go to the community college website you plan to attend and learn the process to register for Running Start. They typically include

• Attending an information session
• Providing Smarter Balanced scores OR placement into English 101
• Completion of the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF)

1. After you've started to fill out your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form, it is important that you make an appointment with your counselor before continuing.