Running Start

Running Start is a course-based Dual Credit option providing students with the potential to earn high school and college credit at the same time through enrollment in classes at a local college. The Washington State legislature allows qualified students to take courses at a local community/technical college during their junior and/or senior year of high school through the Running Start Program. 

The Running Start program for Liberty High School is managed by our Counseling Department. Visit their Running Start webpage for more detailed information about the program and how to apply.

Which dual credit is better, AP or Running Start?

This is a very popular question with no objectively clear answer. A lot of this depends on WHY you are pursuing Dual Credit. To help aid you in your discovery, visit these online articles to learn more about these dual credit options, their similarities and differences, popular opinions and pros and cons:

• AP vs. Dual Enrollment: The Pros & Cons of Each Program Research.com fact-based article with a lot of good things to consider

• Running Start vs. AP: Making the right decision for you Blog article by a Running Start Student on ReadyWA website

• Does AP or Dual Enrollment Look Good on College Applications? College Reality Check Article

• College Classes in High School: Is AP or Community College Better? PrepScholar Article

Will colleges accept my Running Start classes for credit?

There is no universal answer to this question, it is different for each college and typically handled on a course-by-course basis. 

Generally speaking, Running Start classes usually transfer easily to our public, Washington state colleges and universities. Also, the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree is designed to transfer to most Bachelor of Arts degrees at all four-year colleges and universities in Washington state. The DTA is sometimes called an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Arts and Sciences. The Intercollege Relations Commission (ICRC) — a unit of The Washington Council — oversees the guidelines for DTAs. 

To find out if credit is accepted, visit the website of the college of interest and look for their transfer credit policies or equivalency guide. Some colleges even have their own proprietary credit transfer research tools to facilitate the process of credit approval  In some cases, you'll need to contact the college for this information. 

Recommended Resources

• ISD Running Start Presentation for Students and Parents: Informative slide deck used during Running Start Zoom session during the 2022-2023 school year.

• Washington 45: Courses offered by WA state community and technical colleges that satisfy up to one year’s worth (45 credits) of general education requirements at public four-year institutions.