College in High School (Running Start, Dual College Credit)

College in High School

The College in the High School program allows juniors and seniors to acquire college credit without leaving their home high school. Qualified EPS teachers, approved by the designated university, work closely with college professors in offering approved dual credit courses to students. If interested in this opportunity, please see your guidance counselor.

Running Start

Running Start (RS) is a program approved by the Washington State Legislature in 1990, which allows high school juniors and seniors to challenge themselves academically by taking classes at a community college. Students receive both high school and college credits for successfully completed classes. At the end of each quarter, the student’s grades are mailed to the high school and become part of the permanent high school transcript and permanent college transcript. The credit equivalency ratio is 5 college credits = 1 high school credit. Students are limited to college-level classes (level 100 courses and higher).

Eligible students may attend day, evening, or online classes at Clark College. Students may be enrolled part-time or full- time at the college. If a student decides to attend the college on a part-time basis, the student must also attend some classes at the high school in order to meet Washington State attendance guidelines as a full- time student.

Fees are subject to change. Many fees can be waived for low-income Running Start students. A student shall be considered low-income and eligible for a fee waiver upon submitting proof to the Running Start office that the student is currently qualified to receive free or reduced-price lunch at their high school, or has been deemed eligible for free or reduced-price lunches in the last five years. 

You must meet one of the following to qualify for Running Start at Clark College: 

1.  GPA requirement for enrolling in English&101 GPA: High school transcript with a cumulative 2.90+ GPA, w/ grades for the first semester of current year.  USE THIS        ONLY UNDER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION: If your cumulative GPA is 2.40 – 2.89, you qualify for college level English 101+099, but additional tuition will apply.  English 099 is a 1-credit course not covered by Running Start. 

2.     ELA SBAC scores of level 3 or 4

3.     AP scores of 3 or higher on Lang & Comp or Lit & Comp

4.     ACT score of 19 in both English & Reading 

5.     SAT score of 510 in “Evidenced Based Reading & Writing”

College Level Math – (Access to MATH COURSES AND APPLICABLE MATH PRE-REQ COURSES)

1.     Math SBAC scores of level 3 or 4 score, and grade of B or better in Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus or higher course    

2.     ALEKS Math test score at college-level 

3.     AP score of 3 or higher on Calculus exam 

Program qualifications are subject to change.

Running Start Student Responsibilities: 

• Work with the high school counselor to complete the Running Start Contract and Requirements form along with the Enrollment Verification form. Submit a new Enrollment Verification form to Clark College prior to registration each quarter.

• Enroll in courses approved by the high school counselor to ensure graduation requirements are going to be met in conjunction with any college coursework.

• Seniors, you will need to complete all graduation requirements prior to Spring quarter.

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress at the college.

• Return to the high school for state testing, if not completed prior to attending RS.

• Maintain full-time enrollment. Remember if you are a full-time Clark College student you will need to check the website for pertinent graduation information that you will be missing at the high school.  

• Meet the registration dates and deadline(s) for district and college course registration.

• Students are responsible for cost of textbooks, some class fees, and transportation to the college.

• Athletes must contact their high school Athletic Coordinator regarding eligibility for sports.

• Work with Clark College advisors for academic pathways to degrees and programs.

For more information, go to www.clark.edu/runningstart or call the Running Start Office at (360) 992-2366

Tech Prep / Dual Credit for Cascadia Tech

2023-24

Students are eligible to obtain college credit provided they complete all requirements pertaining to their programs’ specific articulation agreement.

Articulation and College Credits