Running Start

Eligibility for Running Start 

• High School Junior or Senior (or Sophomores who completed their 10th grade year and wish to enroll in summer quarter prior to 11th grade)
• Enrolled in a Washington State public high school
• Be on track to graduate
  • 12 credits at the end of Sophomore year.
  • 17 credits at the end of Junior year.
• Must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher
• Must meet the college's requirements for English 101
• Ready for college-level courses

Sports Eligibility

• Students must be enrolled and passing 2.5+ high school credits per semester.
  • If a student fails or withdraws from a class and has less than 2.5 high school credits, they are ineligible to compete.
• Establish student's academic schedule for the year.   Each student must fill out the WIAA Running Start Contract Form.  Retain a copy for yourself.  Submit a copy to your Athletic Director and original copy to your school counselor.
• Running start is a pubic school mainstream educational program.  Eligibility is at the public school of residence where the student accesses Running Start.
• If you have additional questions, please contact your student's high school athletic director.

• Students will be taking college courses.  Running Start students are held to college-level expectations and will be treated like adults.  Colleges are on the quarter system and classes are at a faster pace. 
• Student's tuition* is funded through the Running Start Program (within credit limit).  Depending on courses, college credits can be transferred to other colleges/universities. *students/families are responsible for class fees, supplies, books, etc. 
• Students have the opportunity to earn their Associates of Arts Degree by the end of their senior year AND their high school diploma!
• Students have ownership over course selection and their schedule.** ** students must meet high school graduation requirements while participating in the RS program and must prioritize classes at the high school. 
• Save up to two years' worth of college tuition.
• Take courses not offered in high school.
• Take challenging advanced courses. ​​​​​​​

The Running Start program covers up to 21 credits per quarter (or the maximum college credit amount approved by their high school counselor on the students' EVF, whichever is lower) for college-level courses; courses numbered 100 or above, depending on the number of classes taken at the high school. However, there are other costs that Running Start does not pay for:

• Textbooks and supplies: Costs will vary depending on required textbooks and supplies required for each class (average cost of books and supplies for a full-time student is $100-300 per quarter).
• School and class fees: May include facilities fee, technology fee, test fee, student center fee and special services fee.
• Tuition: Tuition is only charged if a student takes a class under the 100-level, or enrolls in more credits than their high school counselor approved on their quarterly EVF.

Running Start students can take advantage of fee waivers (automatic if Free and Reduced Lunch eligible) and book loan programs which assists students with the above costs. See the specific college running start website for application and details.

Homeschool and students attending private schools may participate in Running Start. They must enroll in a public high school and be evaluated as a junior or senior.  It is not required to take classes at the public high school to participate in Running Start.

Homeschool students need to determine where they will graduate high school from

• Homeschool or private school students who will receive an Auburn School District diploma will be considered a transfer student. They must meet all graduation requirements including 24 credits, completion of WA State History, graduation pathway and high school and beyond plan.
• Homeschool or private school students who will not receive an Auburn School District diploma will still be able to participate in Running Start, but must provide additional documentation.
  • Homeschool students need a homeschool intent and ancillary services form
  • Private school students need only the ancillary services form.
    • All forms are required to be provided along with a completed ASD enrollment packet prior to an EVF being provided.
    • Review and sign the ASD Running Start Agreement form

• Students completing 10th grade, those in 11th grade and (non-graduating) 12th grade with credit availability can enroll for a maximum of 10 credits for summer quarter Running Start. 
• Eligible students for Running Start during the summer term should work closely with their high school counselor and their college advisor to ensure they have available credit for summer. 
• Students must obtain a separate Summer Quarter Enrollments Verification Form (EVF), from their High School Counselor during the summer registration period and prior to the last day of school.

   

• Classes move at a faster pace than high school; a year-long high school course is condensed into an 11 week quarter.
• Students must arrange their own transportation to and from campus; parking is free.
• College is an adult learning environment. Courses may cover controversial issues.
• Parent/guardian access to student records is limited. The College must abide by strict privacy rules. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records without student written permission. 
• Mature, able to work independently, self-motivated and possess good study habits and time management skills.
• Able to complete a variety of assignments with little directions from their instructors.
• Prepared for the amount of time that college classes require. Every hour in class requires two hours of studying.
• Students may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes (part-time Running Start) or exclusively in college classes (full-time Running Start).  Classes taken at the high school must be consecutive. (1st and 2nd period or 5th and 6th period)
• Classes taken at the college as part of the Running Start Program are limited to "college level courses" (numbered 100 or above). 
• Summer Quarter - Upon completion of 10th grade, "rising juniors" in the summer quarter following completion of the 10th grade may obtain a Summer quarter enrollment verification form (EVF) from their high school counselor. 
• Equivalency Guides:

  • Green River College *NEW*

  • Pierce College

  • Highline College

  • Renton Tech College