Running Start

Attend Classes at a Local Community College
Students can take classes at any community college in the state of Washington as long as they have transportation to the college, earn the minimum required score on the college’s qualifying test, and complete the college’s specific orientation process.

Colleges closest to Kent School District (KSD) include:

Earn Up to 15 College Credits Tuition Free
The state of Washington will pay tuition for to 15 college credits when high school students attend a local community college.

Cost for Families

Students and families are responsible for the cost of books and class fees for all classes each quarter. There are three college quarters a school year.

  • Books cost approximately $50 to $250 per quarter.

  • Class fees cost approximately $50 to $150 per quarter.

Is Running Start Right for Your Student?
There are many advantages to participating in Running Start, but it may not be right for every student.

Pros

  • The student earns colleges credits.

  • The student experiences the college environment first-hand.

  • The student has an opportunity to earn an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time.

  • Tuition for classes is paid for by the state of Washington.

  • The student can complete the first two years of a bachelors degree with a university transfer degree.

Cons

  • The student is viewed as an adult; therefore, parents do not have access to attendance or grades at the college.

  • If the student is unsuccessful by earning one F or earning below a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for three quarters, he or she will be dismissed from the Running Start program.

  • If the student fails classes, he or she can fall behind in credits for on-time high school graduation.

  • The student and family must pay for books and class fees for all classes each quarter.

  • The student must provide his or her own transportation.

Get Started

Running Start Eligibility Requirements

A student must qualify for the Running Start program by applying for the college he or she plans to attend and then earning the required score on the college’s qualifying test.

Step One: Apply for Admissions to Chosen College Online

The student must complete and submit the online application for the community college they wish to attend through Running Start. This process will generate a student ID number specific to the college.

Step Two: Complete the College’s Qualifying Test

Once the student receives his or her college student ID number, the student must take this number and photo identification to the college’s testing center to take the qualifying test.

Every college has its own qualifying test.

  • Green River College: Students must score 101 on the College Success Assessment

  • Highline College: Students must score 80 on the reading portion of the Accuplacer.

Step Three: Complete the College’s Orientation Process and Sign Up for Classes

Once the student has applied to the college and passed the qualifying test, he or she must complete the college’s orientation process and sign up for classes.

Prepare for Success

As a college student, a Running Start student is viewed as an adult and responsible for tracking his or her grades and attendance. Parents and families will not have access to this information.

Before beginning the program, it’s important to understand the roles the student, college advisor, and high school counselor will have moving forward.

Prepare for Success

The Student’s Role

  • Check the high school website and calendar daily to stay current on dates and events.

  • Maintain a record of high school and associate degree requirements.

  • Sign up for college classes.

  • Take all Running Start questions and concerns to the college Running Start office.

  • Complete the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) required for high school graduation.

  • Email the high school counselor with questions about high school classes or graduation.

  • Schedule appointments with the high school counselor in advance if needed.

  • Pay college class fees and buy books for classes.

  • Complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification form and return to the college before its registration window opens.

  • Provide transportation to and from college.

  • Track grades and attendance as parents and families will not have access to this information from the college.

The College Running Start Advisor’s Role

  • Communicate associate degree requirements.

  • Help the student set up a course plan that fulfills all associate degree requirements.

  • Communicate with the student regarding college class registration, fees, and academic probation.

The High School Counselor’s Role

  • Inform students about how to qualify for Running Start when requested.

  • Complete Running Start Enrollment Verification form after the student presents a copy of qualifying scores.

  • Communicate high school graduation requirements.

  • Meet with the student before each quarter to complete the Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) via prescheduled drop-in times or appointment set by the student.