Running Start

Running Start is a dual credit program where you attend a community college and earn college credit while simultaneously earning high school credit. 

You must be a Junior or Senior to participate in Running Start.  You must also qualify for Running Start by meeting the entry requirements set forth by the community college (ex: placements tests). 

Students most successful at Running Start are… prepared for college level course work, can work independently, have excellent attendance, have excellent organization, use their time wisely, can meet deadlines, check their college and high school email regularly, and are good communicators.

No. Tuition (the cost of the course) is free, but you will need to pay for books and fees. 

Yes, see the SPSCC website or speak directly with Tracy Moore, your Running Start Advisor.

When you are a running start student, you’ll need to be familiar with the High School Course Equivalency List found on SPSCC’s website. This document shows a list of high school courses and the equivalent course offerings at SPSCC. 

Examples:

• If you take HIS 146 for 5 credits at the SPSCC, you will earn 1 credit at the high school, and meet the US history requirement.
• If you take ENG 101 for 5 credits at SPSCC, you will earn 1 credit at the high school, and fulfill a year’s worth of English.
• If you take CCS 101 for 3 credits at SPSCC, you will earn .60 high school credit at the high school in the category of CTE

No.  The college operates on a quarter system.  Timberline operates on semesters.

You can be a full-time or part-time running start student. If you take courses at both institutions, you cannot exceed enrollment of 1.4 (FTE). Here are some examples:

Yes, it is possible.  If you are a full-time Running Start Student and you meet the requirements of the two-year degree (set forth by the college) then you can earn a two-year degree. For the college degree, you need to coordinate with the college. For high school graduation requirements, you’ll need to coordinate with the high school. 

Yes, you can still participate in high school activities (ex: sports, school dances).

Yes.  

• Meet with your high school counselor every quarter to get your RSEVF (Running Start Enrollment Verification Form) signed. This is an agreement between you and the college, and you must turn this form in to have your tuition paid for as a running start student. It is important to complete this in time to meet the deadline set forth by the college. 
• Pass your college classes. If you do not, you can be placed on academic probation or even be dismissed by the college.
• Check your email at both institutions—you are still a high school student even if you do not attend at THS.  If you want to graduate from both schools, you need to keep up with correspondence in both locations. 
• Complete your High School and Beyond Plan. You can complete the HS&B plan by attending THS Advisory or completing the HS&B Plan course equivalencies. Listed on the North Thurston Public Schools SPSCC Course Equivalency List.  
• Become familiar with the North Thurston Public Schools SPSCC Course Equivalency List.