Running Start
ABOUT RUNNING START:
Running Start is a Washington state program that allows high school students to earn credits toward both high school AND college at a local campus. Students must be Juniors or Seniors, and must meet all entrance requirements (placement test or alternative) as outlined by the college.
Running Start students are still Mount Vernon High School students. They must choose whether to pursue a full-time or part-time course load at Running Start. Full-time Running Start students take all their classes at the college. Part-time students arrange a schedule that works for them to attend some classes at high school, and others at the college. Running Start students may still participate in after-school activities at the high school. Running Start students enroll in college classes and are treated like any other college student. The rules and processes of a high school environment do not apply, so there is no Family Access, progress reports, attendance tracking or parent/teacher conferences.
Running Start FAQ: Read more about Running Start and find out if it's right for you.
Interested in Running Start?
Learn more by visiting Skagit Valley College's Running Start Information page, and attend an Information Session.
Annual MVHS Running Start Information Night March 7th at 6pm in the MVHS Auditorium.
Skagit Valley College will also offer virtual/online sessions.
Students applying to Running Start for the upcoming school year, should plan to start your application in March. To begin your Running Start application, follow these steps: Step by step guide for Running Start at Skagit Valley College.
For students in an MVHS College in the High School class, who have already enrolled at Skagit Valley College (SVC):
Email Enrollment@skagit.edu that you are already in an SVC College in the High School class, and you want to apply for Running Start.
Skagit Valley College will then send you an email with a link and instructions for continuing through the remaining Running Start application steps.
MVHS Counselor Meeting
Completing the Running Start Verification Form requires a meeting with your MVHS Counselor.
At your first meeting please bring:
Confirmation of your Math and English Placement
3. Running Start Planning Sheet
5. Running Start Participation Agreement (Completed at your counselor meeting)
6. Your questions!
*Forms can be printed by your counselor as needed
Timelines
First-Time Running Start Students for Fall Quarter:
March: Students that decide to participate in Running Start, should plan complete their Running Start Application by the end of March.
April-May: During this timeframe, counselors will hold individual meetings with students. Counselors will go over placement and course planning. All Fall course registration will need to be complete by the last day of school. College classes fill on a first come first serve basis. We recommend that you complete this counselor meeting in the designated timeline to ensure that classes are available.
June-August (Summer): Students who enroll over summer will not have the opportunity to have their paperwork signed off on until the first week of school.
September: Fall Quarter typically begins late September.
Returning Running Start Students:
Schedule a time to meet with your counselor to sign off on the Running Start Verification Form (RSVF) for each quarter.
Prior to your appointment, login to Skyward and click on graduation requirements to verify your remaining MVHS requirements, then consult the MVHS Running Start Course Equivalency Guide to help you identify the Skagit Valley College (SVC) courses you need & would like to take.
If you are seeking your two-year degree from SVC, you will also want to consult your SVC degree requirements to look for courses that can count for both your MVHS diploma and SVC degree.
Bring the list of SVC courses you are interested in taking for the upcoming quarter to your appointment.
Fall timeline: By end of May (Recommended)**
Winter: By end of November (Recommended)**
Spring: By end of March (Recommended)**
**College classes fill on a first come first serve basis. We recommend that you complete this counselor meeting in the designated timeline to ensure that classes are available.