Review the B-EHS Running Start Steps Below, or Download the PDF Version

Running Start is a state-legislated option allowing prepared high school students to simultaneously earn college and high school credit by taking college coursework at their local community or technical college. Eligible students may take up to 15 college credits numbered 100 level or above tuition-free (free/reduced lunch students 18 credits), but are responsible for their own transportation, books, and fees. Verified free/reduced lunch students also get fees waived, but only for the first 15 credits. Funding for Running Start can occur for up to six quarters during junior and senior year, excluding the summer quarters.

Must be at least a junior = have 14 credits. Students should place into college-level reading, writing, and mathematics.

College credits will be translated to high school credits as per WAC 180-51-050, where 5 college quarter credits = 1.0 high school credit. College classes taken to meet specific graduation requirements must be chosen from the B-EHS course equivalency guide and noted as such on the student’s quarterly enrollment form. 

College grades will be transferred as earned, with a college W (withdrawal up to 6 weeks into the term) = high school NC (no credit), college V (student stopped attending, did not officially withdraw) = high school F, college Z (did not pass) = high school F.

Students continue to be eligible for athletics/activities and must comply with WIAA requirements and the B-EHS Athletics/Activities Code.

According to the WIAA handbook and B-E policy a student enrolled in Running Start must adhere to the following in order to be eligible for participation: 1) must be regular in attendance, having attended 85% of their scheduled classes; 2) must meet all high school standards; 3) must be continuously enrolled, earning 2.5 graduation credits each quarter (13 quarter credits) monitored at any time; 4) must meet with the Athletic Director and complete a WIAA Running Start contract; 5) pass Advisory.

The colleges have three quarters during B-EHS’ two semesters. Students are responsible for following the school calendar where they attend. The colleges and B-EHS begin and end the school year at different times, do not have the same Spring Break, and vary on particular days off. College classes are structured for more homework, with each hour of class time requiring about two hours of homework. Thus, taking a five-credit college class would require 5 hours in class and 10 hours of homework. State law in 2011 created a maximum number of credits/classes that the state will fund:

Most B-EHS students who choose Running Start take classes part-time, taking a college class or two while also attending the high school. The Running Start students who are most successful are particularly organized, responsible, self-motivated, and academically oriented, as the college demands all of those qualities and is an adult environment. Most students experience lower grades than they earned in high school, as college work is more difficult and faster-paced.

We, the student and parent, understand the following conditions to be true if we choose Running Start as an educational opportunity.

1. We understand that the student must be of junior standing, having earned at least 14 credits.

2. We understand that if the student has a college grade point average below a 2.0 he/she will be on Academic Probation which could result in being dropped from Running Start.

3. We understand that Running Start courses must be classes that are at the 100 level or above.

4. We understand that tuition for courses is free, but that the student is responsible for all other costs associated with attendance (parking, travel, books, fees, etc.)

5. We understand that in order to be successful, the student must be self-motivated and self-directed, and that even so, some students experience a drop in their GPA.

6. We understand that parent contact regarding the student’s progress is not the responsibility of the College or B-EHS. When a student chooses to attend Running Start, parents will not receive progress reports, report cards or have the opportunity for parent/teacher conferences.

7. We understand that the parent and B-EHS will not be notified if a student withdraws from or stops attending a Running Start class.

8. We understand the average age at Skagit Valley College is 28 according to SVC’s Spring 2011 data, and that Running Start students may be in courses with students who range in age from 16 to 70-plus.

9. We understand that students seeking a B-EHS diploma must meet all graduation requirements, including one of the state’s graduation pathways and B-EHS’ 4-year Advisory program with a community exit presentation. Students will not be allowed to go through B-EHS commencement exercises unless they have met all B-EHS graduation requirements at the time of Senior Check-out.

10. We understand that students remain enrolled in their Advisory class if they are on campus during Advisory, and are responsible for communicating with that teacher and completing that work.

11. We understand that local colleges are on a quarter system and that B-EHS is on a semester system, therefore the starting dates, ending dates and vacation times will differ.

12. We understand that part-time Running Start students will be responsible for checking on any changes to the B-EHS schedule (assemblies, Advisory, half-days, testing schedules, etc.).

13. We understand that Running Start students are eligible to participate in athletics and activities at B-EHS and must take the equivalent of 7 B-E classes or 13 college credits and be passing Advisory. However, some students may experience difficulty maintaining that “tiger pride” or meeting eligibility requirements when they are on the B-EHS campus for a shortened period of time, or not at all.

It is through this Memorandum of Understanding that we, the student and parent, take full responsibility for the success of the student while attending Running Start.

Please complete PART TWO: Running Start Program Interest Form & Memorandum of Understanding