Running Start

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.

Summer quarter Running Start is now open for a maximum of 10 credits to students completing the 10th grade and those in 11th and 12th grade depending on how many high school and/or Running Start courses were taken during the school year. 

Graduating Students - Since 2022, graduating students within 15 credits of an AA degree could access “after-exit” funding to complete the summer Running Start courses required for the degree up to 15 credits. This option is subject to reauthorization by the legislature in 2025 and may not be available.

Weighted GPA and Class Rank Calculation - For official transcript records (the transcript sent to employers, colleges and universities requested by the student) all courses will be calculated on a 4.0 scale to determine overall Grade Point Average (GPA). For class rank purposes only, students who enroll in Running Start courses will have their grades calculated on a 5.0 scale (rather than the 4.0 scale) to determine GPA. Some colleges and universities use class rank as a factor in admissions decisions, in addition to overall GPA, courses taken, community exploration, extra-curricular activities, etc. The last official class rank for senior year will be computed after 1st semester grades are posted to the transcript. 

For more information, go to www.clark.edu/runningstart or contact Clark College Enrollment Services. If students have questions about their application, placement or their enrollment verification form they can contact Enrollment Services at enroll@clark.edu. If students would like support with class planning or support, connect Advising Services at advising@clark.ed

• enroll@clark.edu

• 360-992-2107

2024-2025 Running Start (RS) High School Credit Equivalency

2025-2026 Running Start (RS) High School Credit Equivalency Guide