Running Start

Running Start is a dual enrollment program allowing high school juniors and seniors to attend college while still in high school. Running Start offers college courses that may award college credit upon successful completion.

Juniors and seniors are both eligible for Running Start. However, students must qualify for or have taken English 101. While any junior or senior may be eligible, not everyone is a good fit for Running Start.

Running Start allows high school students to earn college credit, tuition-free. Running Start may help students meet basic college prerequisites before transferring to a university. It is also possible for students to earn their associate degree.

Running Start students are treated as college students and are subject to the standards and discipline of both the college and the high school. They are eligible for support services, activities, and programs available to regular college students, apart from athletic participation.

Students will be expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class, ask questions, and conduct themselves as responsible adults. Students are responsible for the information regarding academic standards and grading policies that can be found in the college catalog. Any failed classes at the college remain permanently on both the college and high school transcripts and could jeopardize high school graduation or influence a grade point average. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above and complete all courses. If a student falls below academic standard, they are placed on a series of warning, probation, and then suspension from the program.

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC). SPSCC has a Lacey and Olympia campus.

SPSCC updates a calendar with important dates and timelines. Students who are interested in Running Start need to apply for admissions in the early Spring and complete all steps before the end of the school year. Students who do not complete all steps will likely not able to complete everything necessary to start Running Start in the Fall. The complete calendar can be found on their website.

SPSCC has a very clear outline of steps needed to enroll in Running Start. See the steps on their website.

It is possible, but not recommended. SPSCC is on a quarter system and RRHS is on a semester system. Starting or withdrawing from Running Start in the middle of the school year impacts how many credits may be earned and may result in being credit deficient. It is best to start Running Start in the fall of Junior or Senior year.

Students who wish to take more than the allotted number of credits are required to pay for tuition. Students who take less than 15 credits at SPSCC may not be on track to receive an Associate degree. Please speak with college academic advisor to confirm.